Last Emperor of all Russia 1894-1917. During his reign, Russia embarked on a series of reforms including the introduction of civil liberties, literacy programs, state representation, and initiatives to modernize the empire's infrastructure.Ultimately, this progress was undermined by his commitment to autocratic rule, oppressive policies pursued by his regime, and crushing defeats in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I. He, his wife Alexandra, and German Emperor Wilhelm II were all first cousins of King George V of the United Kingdom.