• Diplomjodler@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    If anyone is trying to understand the current political situation in Russia, a brief look at their history is very instructive.

  • OsrsNeedsF2P
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    1 month ago

    By this time twenty years of solitary confinement had disturbed Ivan’s mental equilibrium, though he does not seem to have been actually insane. Nevertheless, despite the mystery surrounding him, he was well aware of his imperial origin and always called himself Gosudar (Sovereign). Instructions had been given not to educate him, but he had been taught his letters and could read his Bible.

    I was most curious if like, he was even aware. Reason being Anne Frank doesn’t remember much from before she knew language, only what she remembers as (very vague paraphrasing) primative instincts to want ice cream.

    But it seems he was taught enough to understand his situation. Not sure if that’s better or worse.

    Edit; yes, Helen Keller, not Anne Frank

  • jpreston2005@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    Upon the accession of Peter III in 1762, Ivan’s situation seemed about to improve, for the new emperor visited him and sympathised with his plight, but Peter was deposed just a few months later. New instructions were sent to Ivan’s guardian to place manacles on his charge, and even to scourge him should he become unmanageable.

    Dang. Upon the doorstep of deliverance, a new emperor visiting your cell, empathizing with your position, only to have him deposed just as ruthlessly, and your situation made all the worse. How is this a real story and not some terrible ancient Greek tragedy?

    • Match!!@pawb.social
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      1 month ago

      Greek tragedies tend to start at a high point and head towards a low point and this boy never had a high point at all. This is more like a Russian tragedy

      • jpreston2005@lemmy.world
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        1 month ago

        I mean, little dude peaked at two months old as emperor of Russia, then was Man-in-the-Iron-Masked until his death, right at the moment of his release.

        Russian or Greek, it’s a freaking tragedy. I hope the guard that followed orders in killing him before he could be released was subsequently wrecked. Freaking bootlickers, man. They exist in every century.