The History of Erie Canal

The History of Erie Canal During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the new nation known as the United States of America began to develop plans to improve transportation into the interior and beyond the great physical barrier of the Appalachian Mountains. A major goal was to link Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes with the Atlantic Coast through a canal. The Erie Canal, completed on October 25, 1825 improved transportation and helped populate the interior of the U.S. The Route Many surveys and proposals were developed to build a canal but it was ultimately a survey performed in 1816 that established the route of the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal would connect to the port of New York City by beginning at the Hudson river near Troy, New York. The Hudson River flows into New York Bay and past the west side of Manhattan in New York City. From Troy, the canal would flow to Rome (New York) and then through Syracuse and Rochester to Buffalo, located on the northeast coast of Lake Erie. Funding Once the route and plans for the Erie Canal were established, it was time to obtain funds. The United States Congress easily approved a bill to provide funding for what was then known as the Great Western Canal, but President James Monroe found the idea unconstitutional and vetoed it. Therefore, the New York State legislature took the matter into its own hands and approved state funding for the canal in 1816, with tolls to pay back the state treasury for upon completion. New York City Mayor DeWitt Clinton was a major proponent of a canal and supported efforts for its construction. In 1817 he fortuitously become governor of the state and was able to thus oversee aspects of the canal construction, which later became known as Clintons Ditch by some. Construction Begins On July 4, 1817, construction of the Erie Canal began in Rome, New York. The first segment of the canal would proceed east from Rome to the Hudson River. Many canal contractors were simply wealthy farmers along the canal route, contracted to construct their own tiny portion of the canal. Thousands of British, German, and Irish immigrants provided the muscle for the Erie Canal, which had to be dug with shovels and horse power - without the use of todays heavy earth moving equipment. The 80 cents to one dollar a day that laborers were paid was often three times the amount laborers could earn in their home countries. The Erie Canal Is Completed On October 25, 1825, the entire length of the Erie Canal was complete. The canal consisted of 85 locks to manage a 500 foot (150 meter) rise in elevation from the Hudson River to Buffalo. The canal was 363 miles (584 kilometers) long, 40 feet (12 m) wide, and 4 feet deep (1.2 m). Overhead aqueducts were used to allow streams to cross the canal. Reduced Shipping Costs The Erie Canal cost $7 million dollars to build but reduced shipping costs significantly. Before the canal, the cost to ship one ton of goods from Buffalo to New York City cost $100. After the canal, the same ton could be shipped for a mere $10. The ease of trade prompted migration and the development of farms throughout the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. Farm fresh produce could be shipped to the growing metropolitan areas of the East and consumer goods could be shipped west. Before 1825, more than 85% of the population of New York State lived in rural villages of less than 3,000 people. With the opening of the Erie Canal, the urban to rural ratio began to change dramatically. Goods and people were transported quickly along the canal - freight sped along the canal at about 55 miles per 24 hour period, but express passenger service moved through at 100 miles per 24 hour period, so a trip from New York City to Buffalo via the Erie Canal would only have taken about four days. Expansion In 1862, the Erie Canal was widened to 70 feet and deepened to 7 feet (2.1 m). Once the tolls on the canal had paid for its construction in 1882, they were eliminated. After the opening of the Erie Canal, additional canals were constructed to connect the Erie Canal to Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, and the Finger Lakes. The Erie Canal and its neighbors became known as the New York State Canal System. Now, the canals are primarily used for pleasure boating - bike paths, trails, and recreational marinas line the canal today. The development of the railroad in the 19th century and the automobile in the 20th century sealed the fate of the Erie Canal.

Summarizing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Summarizing - Essay Example His mother did everything to ensure that he gained education that would give him a bureaucratic career, and Kemal excelled in school where he was nicknamed as such, to mean the perfect one, since he was bright and excellent in mathematics (Kemal, 3). After his school, he joined the military training college in 1899 and starting 1919, he embarked on a mission to save his country from the European invasion. He was selected as a loyal and professional officer of the Turkish army and he headed to Anatolia on May 19, 1919, where he offered a famous speech against the European invasion (Kemal, 4). Having got no ample support due to opposition from the Sultan, Kumal resigned from the military on July 7 1919 only to join another wing of the military that allowed him to gain an official status. This position he applied to his advantage and fought for the independence of Turkey from the Greeks who had occupied their territory, and eventually Turkey gained independence after a series of battles. Although money can buy many things, Saudi Arabia is one of the countries in the world with immense wealth, yet its people, even the very rich ones are not happy (The Economist, n.p.). While they may have as much money, which can be reflected in the enormous country’s GDP which runs into $745 billion, the structure of the society, in form of the social, political and religious structures have remained one of the most stifling (The Economist, n.p.). This means that the people in Saudi Arabia, whose population is approximately 30 million, have less freedom to enjoy their wealth. The government stifles this freedom either with money or threats. The influence of the Saudi regime has also been extended to its neighboring countries, where the country has become erratic and assertive in supporting its perceived friendly regimes, while opposing the regimes it finds threatening (The Economist,

Philosophy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Philosophy - Research Paper Example The college was founded by Pastor Jonathan Blanchard in the year 1860. Blanchard was an abolitionist who was a pioneer in the abolishment of slavery (Wheaton Heroes, par. 2). He was also strongly against Freemasonry and possessed strong Christian and cultural values. These are both indications of the values upon which the college was built. Jonathan Blanchard was also the college’s first president and was later succeeded by his son. Currently the president of the college is Philip Ryken (Wheaton, par. 4). In total the college has had eight presidents. At the current moment, Wheaton has approximately 2500 students from each of the states in America and approximately 50 countries all over the world (U.S News, par. 1). It is one of the most highly ranked Christian colleges and its mission is to build the church and improve the world (Wheaton College, par. 3). It aims to fulfill these goals using the philosophies of its founders which were centered on humanitarian activities. The college aims to promote the role of Christians in the community and attempts to achieve this mission by implementing programs of excellence into a solid Christian education (Wheaton College, par. 3). These programs and policies adhere to the college motto, â€Å"For Christ and His Kingdom† (Wheaton College, par. 2). Another major aim of Wheaton College is to establish more churches and spread the word of God. This philosophy can be seen in action as students from this college are able to fulfill their role in society in approximately 60 countries due to several service projects and programs that have been initiated by the college (Wheaton College, par. 1). Students from the college perform researches and participate in other academic activities in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. It also has an HNGR program which enables graduates to complete their internship in developing countries (About HNGR, par. 2). The

The Purity Of Prepared Of Aspirin Biology Essay

The Purity Of Prepared Of Aspirin Biology Essay To synthesize the drug aspirin, the purity of prepared of aspirin is determined by a chemical test. In addition, the percentages of aspirin made are determined (CHM 1024 Organic Chemistry, practical manual). Introduction Aspirin also know as acetylsalicylic acid, in the history of medicine, aspirin is the first drugs that ever come into common usage which as medical treatments worldwide. It is known as a pain killer, fever reducer and anti-inflammatory agent. As a matter of fact, an anti-inflammatory agent has become a widely known and utilized treatment for arthritis.(1) Aspirin is also an anti-clotting agent. It is because it can inhibiting the production of thromboxane which will bind with platelet to create a patch of damaged walls of capillaries and platelet will become large enough to block the blood flow, locally and also downstream, aspirin also can use in long-term at low doses for helping prevent heart attacks, strokes and also blood clot formation.(2) The synthesis of aspirin is actually an esterification reaction. By acid derivative, salicylic acid is treated with acetic anhydride, which will giving a chemical reaction that change hydroxyl group in salicylic acid into ester group (R-OH → R-OCOCH3). This esterification reaction will yields aspirin as well as acetic group which is a byproduct in this reaction. This process is speed up by using catalyst which is concentrated sulphuric acid.(3) http://www2.volstate.edu/chem/1110/Synthesis_of_Aspirin_3.png Figure 1: salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride to form acetyl salicylic acid which is aspirin and a by-product, acetic acid. Overdose of aspirin will lead to acute or chronic poisoning. If a single large dose of aspirin is taken then it is acute poisoning; if taking higher than normal dose of aspirin over some period of time then it is chronic poisoning. The mortality rate for acute overdose is low, but for chronic overdose is more generally fatal. Other than that, overdose of aspirin also will have some bad side effects which is stomach ache and headache. These side effects can be reduced through the addition of buffer solution. The presence of any unreacted or excess salicylic acid is detect by 1% iron III chloride(FeCl3). As salicylic acid got phenol group, the FeCl3 test will giving a positive result that show colour change to violet colour if there have molecule possessing phenol group. Hence, the commercial aspirin will given negative result because it does not have phenol group with it. Hypothesis When salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride will yield aspirin and acetic acid. Procedure Preparation of aspirin A bath was prepared by using 400mL beaker was filled with half with water and it was heated until it boiling. 2.00g of salicylic acid was weighed and placed in 125mL dry conical flask. This quantity was used to calculate the theoretical yield of aspirin. 3mL of acetic anhydride was measured and added into the conical flask with gently swirled. The 3 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid was added into the flask during swirling. After that, the conical flask was placed in a beaker of warm water for 15 minutes. The reagents were mixed and then placed in a beaker of boiling-water bath for 30mins until the solid was completely dissolved. The solution was swirled occasionally. The conical flask was removed from the bath and it was cooled down to approximately room temperature which is 27Â °C. The solution was slowly poured into a 150mL beaker which containing 20mL of ice water and mixed completely then placed in an ice bath. During the ice bath, glass rod was used to mix the solution and scratching along the bottom of the beaker vigorously.(be aware no to poke a hole through the beaker.) The crystal were formed and collected by using Buchner funnel through filtration and suction. The crystals were washed by 5mL of cold water and the followed by 5mL of cold ethyl acetate. Suction was continued for at least 5mins for drying the crystals. The crystals were transferred to a 250mL beaker by using spatula and 5 drops of ethanol were added into the beaker. The beaker was stirred and warmed inside a water bath to dissolve the crystal. Re-crystallization process was performed. After the crystals dissolved 25mL warm water was added to the alcohol solution. The solution was let to cool down and then crystals were formed. Once the crystallization started, the beaker in the ice bath was set to complete the re-crystallization. The contents in the beaker were poured into Buchner funnel and suction and filtration was applied. Filter papers were used to remove all the excess water by moving the crystals on the filter paper anf placed it between several sheets of filter papers and gently pressed to dry the solid. Petri dish was weighed. Then crystal added on it and reweigh of petri dish. The weight of the purified aspirin was obtained by simple calculation and then this is used to obtain the percentages yield of aspirin. Analysis of Aspirin. Compare the quality of the synthesized aspirin with commercial aspirin and salicylic acid. 1% of iron III chloride was added to separate the test tubes containing aspirin crystals of each substance. The colour was observed. There will be no colour showed if aspirin is pure. Purple colour was showed if salicylic acid or traces is present in impure aspirin. Then the intensity of colour qualitatively tells how much salicylic acid was present. The aspirin crystals were observed under the microscope and were drawn on the result sheet. The purity of sample was tested by determining its melting point range. Reduce the sample to a fine powder by using mortar and Pestle. A melting point capillary tube with 1-2cm depth of fine crystals was loaded. The melting point f purified aspirin varies between 130-135 Â °C, temperature was noticed at the aspirin begins to melt and the sample has completely melted. Safety Precaution When dealing with acetic anhydride and sulphuric acid need to use gloves and do it in fume hood, because acetic anhydride will irritate the eyes; sulphuric acid will causes burn to skin because it is concentrated and corrosive. The aspirin prepares is not pure enough and cannot use as a drug as well as cannot consume. Result Table 1: Iron(III) Chloride, FeCl3 test on aspirin Test Observation Commercial aspirin no colour Purified aspirin Violet Table 2 : Experimental results Contents Reading 1. Weight of the salicylic acid 2.01 2. Weight of petri dish + filter paper 17.2075 3. weight of aspirin + petri dish + filter paper 18.1028 4. Weight of aspirin [3-2] 0.8953 5. Melting point of purified aspirin 144Â °C-172Â °C 6. Melting point of commercial aspirin 132.8Â °C-138.9Â °C Calculation The molar molecular mass of acetylsalicylic acid = 180g/mol The molar molecular mass of salicylic acid = 138g/mol The molar molecular mass of acetic anhydride = 102g/mol Number of moles of salicylic acid, C7H6O3 = (weight of salicylic acid) / (molar molecular mass of salicylic acid) = 2.0100g / (138g/mole) = 0.0146 mole Number of moles of acetic anhydride, C4H6O3 = (weight of acetic anhydride) / (molar molecular mass of acetic anhydride) = 3.246g / (102g/mole) = 0.0318 mole By comparing the number of mole of the salicylic acid and acetic anhydride, the mole of salicylic acid is lesser. Therefore, the acetic anhydride is in excess. Hence the limiting agent in this experiment is salicylic acid. By comparison of the chemical equations: C7H6O3 + C4H6O3 Æ’Â   C9H8O4 + C2H4O2 one mole of C7H6O3 reacts with one mole of C4H6O3 to produce one mole of C9H8O4 and one mole of C2H4O2 Theoretical yield of aspirin = 0.0146 mole (180g/mole) = 2.628g Actual yield of aspirin = 0.8953g Percent yield of the aspirin = (actual yield of aspirin) / (theoretical yield of aspirin) -100% =0.8953g/2.628g 100% =34.07% Diagram of Commercial Aspirin C:UsersAliceDocumentsBluetooth FolderIMG-20121011-WA0000.jpg Discussion In this experiment, aspirin crystals obtained were white crystals and is in pure form which is white crystalline solid. Then the percentages yield of aspirin obtained was 34.07%, and there are so many reasons that could not get a 100% yield of the aspirin. The product can be lost while transferred from one container to another. Other than that, when during suction through filtration, some of the aspirin might remain in the dissolved filtrate and this causes the yield of the product to be less than theoretical yield. Besides that, when weighing salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid there might have zero error on the weighing machine and this will also affects the result and inaccuracy in the yield of the product. The melting point of purified aspirin obtained will have error be found as well, because the instrument that using for measuring the melting point of aspirin was not totally cool down during measuring the crystals. Furthermore, aspirin might contain impurities that causes melting point to be higher or lower than the actual melting point. During the Iron (III) Chloride test, the commercial aspirin showed no colour change, it is because there have no impurities and suitable for ingestion, but for the purified aspirin it gave a positive results which mean the solution turns violet colour due to the impurities in the product and it proved that the purified aspirin is not suitable for ingestion. This experiment was required 3 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, because concentrated sulphuric acid was act as a catalyst for speeding up the reaction without affecting the result. The reaction will still take place if the concentrated sulphuric acid were omitted. This experiment used ice water during the work up is due to the characteristic of aspirin. Aspirin is insoluble in water and cold water will reduce the solubility of aspirin in water and it can be isolated when undergo suction through filtration with chilled reaction solution. Then the water is used to hydrolyse the acetic anhydride to acetic acid and can be easily removed by filtration. Therefore, all the impurities can be removed. The principle of recrystallization is the amount of solute that can he dissolved by a solvent increases with temperature. Recrystallization only works when a proper solvent used. In this experiment the solvent that used to dissolved the impurities is ethyl acetate and then using hot filtration to remove inpurities. The purity of the synthesized acetylsalicylic acid was tested by FeCl3, if there is colour change (violet colour) that means there have impurities in acetylsalicylic acid. The purity of acetylsalicylic acid was determined by melting point. In this experiment the melting range for acetylsalicylic acid is 144Â °C-172Â °C which is higher than commercial aspirin which is132.8Â °C-138.9Â °C, meaning that acetylsalicylic acid obtained in this experiment contained impurities. There have some improvement for this experiments as in used all the salicylic acid powder and ensured that there is no drop on the table. During transferring the reactants from one to another container make sure that there is no any remaining in the container. Furthermore, during filtering the aspirin by using the suction ensure that all holes on the Buchner funnel are covered for preventing the reduction of yield product. Conclusion This experiment was supported the hypothesis suggested. When salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride will yield acetylsalicylic acid which known as aspirin. In this experiment, the limiting agent is salicylic acid. The melting point range for the acetylsalicylic acid obtained is 144Â °C-172Â °C, it is because it contains impurities. The theoretical yield of aspirin is 2.628g, but the actual yield of aspirin obtained is 0.8953g. therefore, the percentage yield of aspirin is 34.07%.

Homosexuality and Film

Reaction Paper: â€Å"Philadelphia† I was really in love by the film. It was truly an Inspiration for me as a gay person. It reminded me that every person In this world, even if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, black, white or aslant deserves to be respected and to be equally well-treated. This film was great because It shows or talks about delimitation and tolerance as well. For me, I personally define Philadelphia as a cinematic perfection.It Is a very Important film to watch not only for the List's but also for every person In this world for them to know that delimitation Is a big no and to realize that even though a person Is different he/she must respect It. God created the man equally and we must not Judge anyone of us for their differences and disabilities. Actually, I was really feeling bored watching at the beginning of the movie. I honestly don't get the meaning and the purpose of creating this film.Aside from this film was a bit older (because it was rele ase in the year 1993) it took me a bit long to understand what thieve trying to say because of their slang accents and their idiomatic expressions and sentences that I don't understand. I was also confused and curious if why the movie was entitled Philadelphia and then I found the answer later As I watched the film, I found it interesting. I found out that the protagonist was a homosexual and was infected by a terrible disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS.Andrew Becket was an excellent lawyer and was fired by the law firm because he had AIDS, but the law firm didn't actually say the real reason of why hey fired him and that they made it appear that Andrew had a questionable professional ability in light of the misplaced file or document and is incompetent. Then he find several attorneys to take his case including Joe Miller. But Joe Miller was hesitant to accept the case and initially declined it. It is because Joe was a homophobic and he knew that Andrew had AI DS. But eventually after Joey's doctor told the method of HIVE infection he accepted the case.As the case goes, Becket wanted to win his case not only for his own good but also for the sake of other people who have his terrible disease and who Is also gay or lesbian, because In their place which Is the Philadelphia the people who has this particular disease was being adulterated. Eventually Becket won the case. For me, this film has Important morals to all the people. We must treat each of us equally even that person has a disease or even If his sexual orientation Is different. Us also, here In the Philippines must apply this kind of moral.We must not discriminate people especially those people who are LIGHT. As far as I know here in he Philippines, Lists are dismissed from work or denied promotion because of their gender identity. There are still schools that kick out gay students if they come out. Gays are also discriminated in insurance policies because they are thought to be no to discrimination here in the Philippines. We must respect each of everyone no matter who we are. I hope that someday as soon as this problem is solved, I can freely utter â€Å"l say to you quite frankly that the time for racial and sexual orientation discrimination is over†.

The Sole System You Should Be Using for Neuroscience Essay Topics Revealed

The Sole System You Should Be Using for Neuroscience Essay Topics Revealed Before writing about this subject, you will likely have to do your fair share of research. The conversation can endure for hours. The topic has to be interesting, the topic has to be essential and finally the topic has to be informative. 1 day, you could be listening to somebody who has just given a TED talk on a ground-breaking topic. Keep your audience in mind while you write also. We tried to develop the topics that concern our everyday life at the exact time won't sound ordinary. Ballroom dancing a comeback in the last ten years. It's possible to also restate the ideas you have discussed in the body paragraphs in order to make your point valid. From this it may make a quick choice. The nominations which were received are undoubtedly only the tip of the iceberg. Whatever sort of decision you're faced with there is a procedure that's taken to establish the very best possible outcome. Given the character of our training, it can be hard to recognize key readings on topics outside our immediate regions of expertise. Obtaining grant support for such endeavors should not be regarded as a prerequisite. If don't have any former training in statistical strategies, we highly suggest that you take the master's-level courses offered. It is a powerful means of helping students learn. Neuroscience Essay Topics Id eas 1 longstanding strategy is to examine what happens when folks suffer brain lesions. Dualists think that the mind is non-physical and is distinct from the brain that's physical. The outcome of the research in the sphere of neuroscience are commonly utilised in medicine, since there are an increasing number of people with the nervous disorders and issue with the nervous system and behavior. Recent brain research has offered new understanding of the many ways people learn. What is Truly Happening with Neuroscience Essay Topics In the lack of a normal protocol, it's tough to draw conclusions (Kulynych 1997). Interpretation Careful interpretation of information is crucial in regards to neuroimaging. Cognitive neuroscientists come from a selection of backgrounds as the discipline is connected to quite a few areas of science. In theory, high quantities of citations should reveal articles with a huge effect in the area, and comparing citations may be an impartial and convenient method to locate papers that have made a splash. The History of Neuroscience Essay Topics Refuted A different group ought to be created to work with the identical problem. The very first step is where a significant number of students become stuck. Imagine that what's happening in your brain is similar to a shrunk-down variant of the worldwide human population interacting via the Internet. You should have all pieces of the test under control before you demonstrate your skills in their entire entirety. Neuroscience Essay Topics Ideas If your paper includes more than only a simple discussion of security in schools, you may want to include a small background information regarding gun control. Moreover, we hope that collections similar to this one is going to grow to be a normal characteristic of JUNE later on. Ethical concerns by means of technology in popular film. There needs to be a partnership between the bioethicists and the neuroscientists in order to handle these ethic al issues and find a way to create decent use of this remarkable technology. Ok, I Think I Understand Neuroscience Essay Topics, Now Tell Me About Neuroscience Essay Topics! You might also compose a narrative essay to talk about your story about traditional or internet learning. If you're in Grade 9 to Grade 12, your poem has to be in the kind of a limerick. If you're in Grade 6 to Grade 8, your poem has to be in the kind of a haiku. Read and analyze some persuasive essay examples to find out more regarding the structure and vocabulary employed within this kind of essay. A paper is always simpler to write if you're interested in the subject, and you will be more motivated to do in-depth research and compose a paper that actually covers the whole subject. Our objective is to provide readers with sufficient info to choose whether such articles may be beneficial in their own classes. Below are the three most important aspects to consider to guarantee you select the ideal research paper topics. You are a genuine expert in regards to persuasive essay topics.

Anastasia Romanov The Mystery of Her Life and Death

Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna (June 18, 1901 — July 17, 1918) was the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his wife, the Tsarina Alexandra. Along with her parents and young siblings, Anastasia was captured and executed during the Bolshevik Revolution. She is well-known for the mystery that surrounded her death for decades, as numerous women claimed to be Anastasia. Fast Facts: Anastasia Romanov Full Name: Anastasia Nikolaevna RomanovaKnown For: Youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, who was killed (along with the rest of her family) during the Bolshevik Revolution.Born: June 18, 1901 in St. Petersburg, RussiaDied: July 17, 1918 in Yekaterinburg, RussiaParents’ Names: Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia Early Life Anastasia, born on June 18, 1901, was the fourth and youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Along with her older sisters, the Grand Duchesses Olga, Maria, and Tatiana, as well as her younger brother, Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, Anastasia was raised under fairly frugal conditions. Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images Despite her family’s status, the children slept on simple cots and did many of their own chores. According to Anna Vyrubova, a close friend of the Romanov family and lady-in-waiting to the Tsarina, Anastasia was â€Å"a sharp and clever child† who liked to play practical jokes on her siblings. The Romanov children were educated by tutors, as was common for royal offspring, but Anastasia appears to have been disinterested in schoolwork. She and her sister Maria were close, and shared a room during their childhood. Anastasia and Maria were nicknamed â€Å"the Little Pair,† while older sisters Olga and Tatiana were referred to as â€Å"the Big Pair.†Ã‚   The Romanov children were not always healthy. Anastasia suffered from a weak muscle in her back and painful bunions, both of which sometimes affected her mobility. Maria, while having her tonsils removed, experienced a hemorrhage that nearly killed her. Young Alexei was a hemophiliac, and was frail for most of his short life. The Rasputin Connection Grigori Rasputin was a Russian mystic who claimed to have healing powers, and the Tsarina Alexandra often called upon him to pray for Alexei during his more debilitating periods. Although he held no formal role within the Russian Orthodox Church, Rasputin nevertheless had a good deal of influence with the Tsarina, who credited his miraculous faith-healing abilities with saving her son’s life on several occasions. At their mother’s encouragement, the Romanov children viewed Rasputin as a friend and confidant. They often wrote him letters, and he responded in kind. However, around 1912, one of the family’s governesses became concerned when she found Rasputin visiting the girls in their nursery while they wore only their nightgowns. The governess was eventually fired, and went to other family members to tell her story. Although by most accounts there was nothing inappropriate in Rasputin’s relationship with the children, and they viewed him fondly, there was still a minor scandal over the situation. Over time, the rumors began to spiral out of control, and there were whispers that Rasputin was having an affair with the Tsarina and her young daughters. To counter the gossip, Nicholas sent Rasputin out of the country for a while; the monk went on a pilgrimage to Palestine. In December 1916, he was murdered by a group of aristocrats who were upset about his influence over the Tsarina. Anastasia was reportedly devastated by his death. The Russian Imperial Family: (L-R) Grand Duchess Olga, Grand Duchess Maria, Czar Nicholas II, Czarina Alexandra, Grand Duchess Anastasia, Czarevich Alexei, Grand Duchess Tatiana. Hulton Archive / Getty Images The February Revolution During World War I, the Tsarina and her two older daughters volunteered as Red Cross nurses. Anastasia and Maria were too young to join the ranks, so instead they visited wounded soldiers in the hospital new St. Petersburg. In February 1917, the Russian Revolution took place, with mobs protesting the food rationing that had been in place since the beginning of the war (which had begun three years earlier). During the eight days of clashes and rioting, members of the Russian Army deserted and joined the revolutionary forces, and some 1,500 people were killed in the protests. There were calls for the end of imperial rule, and the royal family was placed under house arrest. On March 2, Nicholas abdicated the throne on behalf of himself and Alexei, nominating his brother, the Grand Duke Michael, as successor. Michael, realizing quickly that he would have no support in the government, declined the offer, leaving Russia without a monarchy for the first time, and a provisional government was established. Capture and Imprisonment As revolutionaries approached the royal palace, the provisional government removed the Romanovs and sent them to Tobolsk, Siberia. In August 1917, the Romanovs arrived in Tobolsk by train, and along with their servants, were ensconced in the former Governor’s house. By all accounts, the family was not mistreated during their time in Tobolsk. The children continued their lessons with their father and a tutor, Alexandra, despite failing health, did needlework and played music. When the Bolsheviks took over Russia, the family was moved once again to a house in Yekaterinburg. Despite their status as prisoners, Anastasia and her siblings tried to live as normally as possible. However, the confinement began to take its toll. Alexandra had been ill for months, and Alexei was not doing well. Anastasia herself became regularly upset about being trapped indoors, and at one point attempted to open an upstairs window to get some fresh air. A sentry fired at her, narrowly missing her. Children of Tsar Nicholas II Romanov of Russia and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna Romanova: Grand Duchesses Maria, Olga, Anastasia, Tatiana and Tsarevich Alexei. Russia, circa 1912. Laski Diffusion / Getty Images Execution of the Romanovs In October 1917, Russia collapsed into full-scale civil war. The Romanovs’ Bolshevik captors — known as the Reds — had been negotiating for their exchange with the anti-Bolshevik side, the Whites, but talks had stalled. When the Whites reached Yekaterinburg, the royal family had vanished, and the rumor was that they had already been assassinated. Yakov Mikhailovich Yurovsky, a Bolshevik revolutionary, later wrote an account of the death of the entire Romanov family. He said that on July 17, 1918, the night of the assassinations, they were awakened and instructed to get dressed in a hurry; Alexandra and Nicholas were told that they would be moved to a safe house in the morning, in case the White army returned for them. Both parents and the five children were taken to a small room in the basement of the house in Yekaterinburg. Yurovsky and his guards entered, informed the Tsar that the family was to be executed, and began firing. Nicholas and Alexandra died first, in a hail of bullets, and the rest of the family and servants were killed immediately afterwards. According to Yurovsky, Anastasia was huddled against the back wall with Maria, wounded and screaming, and was bayoneted to death. Decades of Mystery In the years following the execution of the Romanov family, conspiracy theories began to emerge. Beginning in 1920, numerous women came forward and claimed to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. One of them, Eugenia Smith, wrote her â€Å"memoirs† as Anastasia, which included a lengthy description of how she had escaped her captors. Another, Nadezhda Vasilyeva, surfaced in Siberia and was imprisoned by Bolshevik authorities; she died in a mental asylum in 1971. Anna Anderson was perhaps the best known of the imposters. She claimed that she — Anastasia — had been wounded but survived, and been rescued from the basement by a guard who was sympathetic to the royal family. From 1938 until 1970, Anderson battled for recognition as Nicholas’ only surviving child. However, courts in Germany continually found that Anderson had not provided concrete evidence that she was Anastasia. Anderson died in 1984. Ten years later, a DNA sample concluded that she was not related to the Romanov family. However, her DNA did match that of a missing Polish factory worker. Anna Anderson claimed to be Anastasia, but in fact was a Polish factory worker. Hulton Archive / Getty Images Other imposters claiming to be Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Alexei came forward over the years, as well. In 1991, a collection of bodies was found in the woods outside Yekaterinburg, and DNA indicated that they belonged to the Romanov family. However, two bodies were missing — those of Alexei and one of his sisters. In 2007, a Russian builder found burned remains at a forest location that matched a description given by Yurovsky when he detailed where the bodies had been left. A year later, these were identified as the two missing Romanovs, although testing has been inconclusive as to which body was Anastasia and which was Maria. DNA studies have accounted for both parents and all five children, concluding they did indeed die in July 1918, and in 2000, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized the entire Romanov family as passion bearers. Sources Carey Goldberg. â€Å"Unraveling a Royal Mystery: For Decades, Westerners Have Speculated That Some Members of the Romanov Family Survived the Bolsheviks Bullets. Now, Police Work and Science Promise to Find the Truth.† Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 1993, articles.latimes.com/1993-02-03/news/mn-1053_1_romanov-family/2.  Harris, Carolyn. â€Å"The Murder of Rasputin, 100 Years Later.† Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 27 Dec. 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/murder-rasputin-100-years-later-180961572/.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Memories of the Russian Court - a Book by Anna Vryubova on Last Imperial Family of Romanov Russia.†Ã‚  The Life and Tragedy of Alexandra Feodorovna: Preface, www.alexanderpalace.org/russiancourt2006/.â€Å"Full Text of ‘Wilton Robert The Last Days Of The Romanovs.’†Ã‚  Internet Archive, The Library Shelf, archive.org/stream/WiltonRobertTheLastDaysOfTheRomanovs/Wilton Robert - The last days of the Romanovs_djvu .txt.