A Source Analysis of the History of the Charitable Activities of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna

Abstract

The author has made an attempt to make a comprehensive source analysis of the history of charitable, merciful and educational activities of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (1872—1918). The article notes the main directions of charitable and merciful (in wartime and postwar years) activities of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Based on the analysis of five sets of sources (statistical compilations, reports of charitable institutions, periodicals, archival materials and memoirs) of undoubted scientific and cognitive value, the author also investigates the distinctive approach of the Empress to the cause of social assistance and the extent of her personal participation in the charitable projects under her care.