Russian Empire–United States relations

Relations between the Russian Empire and the United States predate the American Revolution, when the Russians began trading with the Thirteen Colonies in violation of the British Navigation Acts. The Russian government officially recognized the United States in 1803, and the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1809. From the 18th century until 1917, the United States and Russia maintained mostly cordial relations, with occasional cultural and commercial exchanges. Russia remained neutral during the American Civil War, and sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. The surrender and dissolution of the Russian Empire facilitated Americans to join the war, although they sided with Russia during the latters civil war.

However, there were also tensions between the two countries, particularly over pogroms in the Russian Empire between 1890 and 1914. Trade relations were cordial but were never a major factor for either nation. Large-scale migration to the U.S. from Russia began in the late 19th century, mostly attracting Jews, Poles, Lithuanians, and Finns but also a few ethnic Russians. In the late 19th century, the two countries began to cooperate on issues such as maritime law and trade, which continued into the early 20th century.