Table of contents:
- What goals did the Russians pursue when they secretly went to the shores of America? The first campaign of the Russian squadron to America
- How London and Paris reacted to the news of the New York and San Francisco raids
- How Russian sailors were greeted at New York Harbor
- The second campaign of Russian squadrons to America
- What was the purpose of the "Third American Expedition"
Video: How the Russians defended the Americans, or why Russian squadrons arrived in San Francisco and New York
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
At the beginning of 1863, a tense international situation developed. In Russia, an uprising began in the former Polish territories (in the Kingdom of Poland, the Northwest Territory and in Volyn). The goal of the rebels was to reclaim the borders of the Polish state in accordance with how it was in 1772. In the United States, a civil war has been raging for the third year. England and France supported the Polish rebels in Russia and the rebellious southerners in America. Russia sent two of its squadrons to the shores of the United States, “killing two birds with one stone”: it supported the government of Abraham Lincoln and discouraged France and England from interfering in the solution of the Polish question.
What goals did the Russians pursue when they secretly went to the shores of America? The first campaign of the Russian squadron to America
Rebellious sentiments in the territories of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth smoldered for years. Despite the fact that vast areas of it went to Prussia and the Germanization of the population proceeded there at an accelerated pace, an uprising was being prepared and began on those lands that now belonged to Russia. Although the Russian emperor could not be accused of oppressing the Polish population. On the contrary, he carried out reforms designed to improve public life, primarily in the western lands. France and England appealed to all European states, inviting them to put pressure on Russia and by joint efforts to force her to make concessions. Belgium and Switzerland remained neutral on this issue. Germany refused to take part (since it itself suppressed all attempts to organize an uprising on its territory), and countries such as Sweden, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark and Turkey made petitions for Poland.
Russia responded with a resolute refusal to the dispatches that came from England, France and Austria (they contained demands to resolve the Polish question in a manner unacceptable to Russia). The threat of war loomed. At this acute and dangerous moment, taught by the bitter experience of the Crimean War, Russia took preemptive measures - it organized a raid of its two squadrons (Pacific and Atlantic) to the shores of America. Thus, Russia secured itself against a situation in which its fleet, in the event of a war that began, would be locked up in the Baltic and in Primorye, which means it would be useless. Being close to America, the Russian squadrons became a serious threat to the merchant fleets of England and France, which greatly influenced the mood of these two powers: they ceased to be so persistent in matters concerning the rebellious territories in Russia and America.
How London and Paris reacted to the news of the New York and San Francisco raids
The march of both Russian squadrons took place in strict secrecy. The supply vessels were sent ahead in advance, which were to reload coal and provisions on the ships of the squadron after it left the point of permanent deployment. Therefore, the arrival of one squadron under the leadership of Rear Admiral Lesovsky in New York, and the other under the leadership of Rear Admiral A. A. Popov in San Francisco, came as a complete surprise to Paris and London and, of course, did not at all cause them delight.
Plans to launch an intervention in America under the plausible pretext of helping the "oppressed northern despot" southerners collapsed, as did plans to weaken and destroy Russia's territorial integrity by supporting the Polish rebels. British and French merchants were horrified to imagine the consequences of a possible blockade of the American coast in case of war: in this case, trade with the vast colonies of these powers would be disrupted, merchants would suffer colossal losses. Therefore, they were able to find arguments for their government against the deployment of hostilities.
How Russian sailors were greeted at New York Harbor
The meeting of the Russian sailors in the harbor of New York was joyful and solemn. The northerners saw in them their sincere friends and saviors. There were two powerful powers on the side of the southerners, so Russia's assistance was unexpected, effective and effective.
Everywhere, in all American cities in which they appeared, solemn processions, dinners and balls awaited Russian sailors. American fashionistas included elements of naval military uniforms in their outfits, and it was very chic and especially welcomed in society. It was well understood that without this support from the Russians, America would not have been able to preserve the integrity of its state.
The second campaign of Russian squadrons to America
In 1876, the second campaign of Russian squadrons in the United States took place. This time, the reason was Russia's support for the Bulgarian anti-Turkish uprising. Because of this position of Russia, its relations with England deteriorated sharply. In the Mediterranean at that moment there was a Russian squadron headed by Rear Admiral Butakov. In order to avoid the destruction of the squadron in case of war by the superior forces of the English fleet, the Russian flotilla was ordered to proceed to San Francisco. As soon as tensions between the two powers eased, the Pacific Squadron and the Siberian Flotilla returned to their former positions.
What was the purpose of the "Third American Expedition"
A year after the second trip to America, the third expedition took place. The Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 ended. England demanded a revision of its results. The Russian fleet lacked serviceable ships for cruising service. Therefore, it was decided to purchase them in the United States. Three steamers were purchased, which were then converted in the shipyards of Philadelphia into cruisers. The ships were named Asia, Africa and Europe. As soon as the threat of war with England passed, the Russian cruising squadron left Philadelphia for Europe.
Relations between Russia and America remained friendly until the October Revolution, and at the beginning of the twentieth century, negotiations were even held between the governments of the two countries on the construction of a permanent Russian naval base in the harbor of New York.
Later, it was to American doctors managed to defeat one of the most terrible diseases - smallpox.
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