Discussions about Russian History > Imperial Russian History

Russia and the American Civil War

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jtareb:
 On another thread talking about the Alaskan purchase it was mentioned that Russia sided with North during the war. Given that both England and France were very sympathetic with the South for various reasons and that the Crimean war was still in recent memory, was this part of a larger geopolitical power play? I've seen pictures of Russian naval ships visiting New York circa 1863 while to my knowledge no British or French ship ever visited a Southern port.

nerdycool:
A reason why no ships visited Southern ports was because they were blockaded by the North. So unless England or France sent an actual fleet of war ships, they weren't getting in, and even if they did, they would have had to fight the Union ships to do it. Doing that would have probably dragged those countries into the war. There is a big difference between being sympathetic and being an ally. France and England didn't want war, so they just stood back.

lexi4:
What exactly was Russia's role in the American Civil War?

jtareb:
 England and France were at lot closer to supporting the South than many people realize. The blockade of southern ports cut off the supply of cotton to english and french textile industries causing a lot of unrest. It was only after the battle of Antietam and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation that England and France began to distance themselves from the South.
My question about Russia's relationship to the North stems from a picture I saw in an old American Heritage Civil War history of a Russian naval vessel visiting NewYork in 1863. Alexander 2 and Russia were still smarting from their defeat in the Crimean War at the hands of the British and the French. This formal visit combined with the Alaskan Purchase indicates to me that their was a growing relationship between the US and Imperial Russia during this time period based on the old addage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I'm still trying to find out more.

lexi4:

--- Quote --- England and France were at lot closer to supporting the South than many people realize. The blockade of southern ports cut off the supply of cotton to english and french textile industries causing a lot of unrest. It was only after the battle of Antietam and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation that England and France began to distance themselves from the South.
 My question about Russia's relationship to the North stems from a picture I saw in an old American Heritage Civil War history of a Russian naval vessel visiting NewYork in 1863. Alexander 2 and Russia were still smarting from their defeat in the Crimean War at the hands of the British and the French. This formal visit combined with the Alaskan Purchase indicates to me that their was a growing relationship between the US and Imperial Russia during this time period based on the old addage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I'm still trying to find out more.
--- End quote ---

You've peaked my interest. I will do some research to see what I can find. I was aware of the role of the French and the Brittish. Will see what I can find out.

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