People in history have quite often done dangerous things that were against their interests, even as understood at the time. Czar Nicholas mobilized his troops

People in history have quite often done dangerous things that were against their interests, even as understood at the time. Czar Nicholas mobilized his troops in the run-up to WW I, which ultimately led to his and his family's executions, as well as the deaths of millions of people. Napoleon III declared war on Prussia, which led to France's loss of Alsace-Lorraine and his own capture by the enemy. So saying "he would never do it" is pretty irresponsible.