A Party that Fueled Revolution (1903)
As the 1800s turned into the 1900s, most people in Russia were starving, freezing, and struggling. There was a growing discontent with the aristocracy, and the Czar and Czarina in particular. But Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra either didn’t know, or didn’t care, about the kindling of revolution. They continued their opulent lifestyle with an ambitious party. Guests wore fashions of European high society during the 1600s, with jewels and artifacts from the era to keep the theme going.
The party started with a concert at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, followed by an opulent dinner. Partygoers banqueted in three rooms, themed after Italian, Spanish, and Flemish cultures. The party went late into the night. The party continues the next night, and the next. While the people starved, the wealthy dripped in historic jewels and gourmet food. This would come back to haunt the Czar.
