Russian Empire–United States relations

The relations between the Russian Empire and the United States (1776-1922) predate the Soviet-United States relations (1922-1991) and the Russo-United States relations (1991-present). The relations between the two countries were established in 1776.

Establishment of relations (1776)

The relations between the two states are usually considered to have begun in 1776, when the United States declared its independence from the British Empire and became a state. Earlier contacts had occurred between Americans and Russians however: In 1698, Peter the Great and William Penn had met in London, and in 1763 a Boston merchant had anchored his ship at the port of Kronstadt after a direct transatlantic voyage.

19th century

During the 19th century, Russian and American frontiers met in Alaska. Russia had colonized Alaska. During the American Civil War, Russia was one of the few European powers to fully support the Union. This was prompted by France and Britain's lukewarm relations with Russia and their contemplation of supporting the Confederacy. France and Britain were considering war with Russia at the time over the latter's actions in the Bosphorus. As a result, during the winter of 1861-2, the Imperial Russian Navy sent two fleets to join the Union Navy, to prevent the possibility of them being trapped in ice and therefore immobilized for possible use against the French and British.

In 1867, Russian Alaska was sold to the United States. The United States claimed Wrangel Island, Herald Island, Bennett Island, Jeannette Island, and Henrietta Island in 1881.

1900-1918

In 1900, Russia and America were allied during the Boxer Rebellion. They defeated the Boxer rebels in the Qing Empire. Russia had occupied Manchuria at this time.

During World War I, the United States allied with Russia in 1917.

The Russian Civil War started in 1918, and the Americans aided the anti-communists forces, however, they failed and the Soviet Union was established in 1922.

ee also

* Russo-United States relations
* Soviet-United States relations