What significant action did Tsar Nicholas II take in August 1915 during World War I?

In August 1915, Tsar Nicholas II took the significant action of assuming direct control of the Russian army during World War I. This decision was made in response to a series of military defeats that demoralized the Russian troops and led to widespread criticism of the government’s wartime management. By taking personal command, Nicholas aimed to bolster morale among the soldiers and restore public confidence in his leadership.

This move also intended to showcase his commitment to the war effort. However, it ultimately proved to be a double-edged sword, as he had little military experience and the situation on the Eastern Front continued to deteriorate. The repercussions of this decision contributed to growing disenchantment with the monarchy and set the stage for the eventual abdication of the Tsar the following year.

In contrast, the other choices reflect actions that did not occur during that specific timeframe. The abdication of the throne happened in 1917, the signing of a peace treaty with Germany occurred later in 1918, and while martial law was declared at various times during the revolution, it was not a direct action that the Tsar undertook in August 1915.