Read through the background information and watch the programme. Imagine you were a reporter in Russia in 1917. You have to send back two images with a short commentary, which sum up the events of recent months. You can choose your images from the Quotations section or you may find the following web site helpful:

Photographs of the Russian Empire (http://cmp1.ucr.edu/exhibitions/russia/russia.html)

Read through the background information and watch the programme. Now look at the web site on the burial of the remains of the Romanov Royal family (http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/despatches/newsid_33000/33839.stm)

At the time of the burial, two main views were being expressed in Russia:

• It is right and proper that the Tsar and his family are being reunited with their ancestors
• The Tsar should not be buried with his ancestors because he failed, he abdicated and he was no longer the Tsar when he died.

Which of these two views would you have supported? Explain your answer.

The British Press’s coverage of the events of 1917 in Russia tells historians very little about Russia. It tells historians a lot more about attitudes in Britain.

In groups, decide whether or not you agree with this statement. Work through the programme, and use other resources such as the web sites, to see what aspects of the coverage tells you about Russia or Britain. It may tell you about both. Use a table like this to help you.