Rasputin was a "holy man" who claimed
to have mystical powers. The Czar's son suffered from
hemophilia, a
blood disease. When Rasputin appeared to cure him, Czarina Alexandra
rewarded him with political power. While Nicholas was away fighting
the war, Rasputin had his hand in the government, and corruption
became a large problem. Rasputin was ultimately murdered by
aristocrats, and thrown into the Neva River.