Russia in the American Revolutionary War

In this episode, we explore the Russian Empire’s surprising role during the American Revolution, from Empress Catherine the Great’s policy of armed neutrality to Russia’s refusal to support Great Britain against the colonies. While Russia focused on its own imperial ambitions in Alaska and sought to strengthen its diplomatic influence in Europe, its stance indirectly boosted the legitimacy of the American cause on the world stage. We also look at how the suppressed ideals of the Declaration of Independence still reached Russian intellectuals and later inspired the Decembrist rebels, as well as how early failed attempts at diplomatic recognition eventually gave way to growing trade and warmer relations between Russia and the emerging United States.