Tsar of all the Russias: 1894

Nicholas II is crowned in St Petersburg in a show of wealth and power. Crowds cheer and aristocrats from the Russian empire display their loyalty to the Romanov dynasty.

The Romanov dynasty has ruled Russia since 1613. Tsar Nicholas II is an autocrat, distant from his subjects and doubtful of their loyalty. The vast and underdeveloped Russian empire covers one-sixth of the earth's surface, from the Baltic to the Pacific, and contains many nationalities, some hostile to Russian rule. Only 44% are actually Russian.

Reuters: an excerpt from Crown and Glory, a newsreel film made by Paramount at the time of the coronation of George VI in 1937 to commemorate events during his lifetime. This newsreel was shown in cinemas.

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