Russian colonization of North America

Quick Facts: Who was Russian colonization of North America?

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Russian colonization of North America

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The period when the Russian Empire claimed and developed territories on the Pacific Coast of North America.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Russian colonization of North America describes colonies and territories claimed by the Russian Empire in the Pacific Coast region of North America from 1732 to 1867. Russian colonial possessions in the Americas were collectively known as Russian America from 1799 to 1867. Russian America consisted mostly of present-day Alaska in the United States, but also included the outpost of Fort Ross in California. Russian Creole settlements were concentrated in Alaska, including the capital, New Archangel (Novo-Arkhangelsk), which is now Sitka. Russian expansion eastward began in 1552 with the Russo-Kazan wars and Russian explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1639.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1725, Emperor Peter the Great ordered navigator Vitus Bering to explore the North Pacific for potential colonization. The Russians were primarily interested in the abundance of fur-bearing mammals on Alaska's coast, as stocks had been depleted by over hunting in the Siberian fur trade. Bering's first voyage was foiled by thick fog and ice, but in 1741 a second voyage by Bering and Aleksei Chirikov discovered part of the North American mainland. Bering claimed the Alaskan country for the Russian Empire. Russia later confirmed its rule over the territory with the Ukase of 1799 which established the southern border of Russian America along the 55th parallel north.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The decree also provided monopolistic privileges to the state-sponsored Russian-American Company (RAC) and established the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. Russian promyshlenniki (trappers and hunters) quickly developed the maritime fur trade, which instigated several conflicts between the Aleuts and Russians in the 1760s. The fur trade proved to be a lucrative enterprise, capturing the attention of other European nations. In response to potential competitors, the Russians extended their claims eastward from the Commander Islands to the shores of Alaska. In 1784, with encouragement from Empress Catherine the Great, explorer Grigory Shelekhov founded Russia's first permanent settlement in Alaska at Three Saints Bay.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1552: 1552 Milestone — Russian expansion eastward began in 1552 with the Russo-Kazan wars and Russian explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1639.
2. 1725: 1725 Milestone — In 1725, Emperor Peter the Great ordered navigator Vitus Bering to explore the North Pacific for potential colonization.
3. 1732: 1732 Milestone — Russian colonization of North America describes colonies and territories claimed by the Russian Empire in the Pacific Coast region of North America from 1732 to 1867.
4. 1741: 1741 Milestone — Bering's first voyage was foiled by thick fog and ice, but in 1741 a second voyage by Bering and Aleksei Chirikov discovered part of the North American mainland.
5. 1784: 1784 Milestone — In 1784, with encouragement from Empress Catherine the Great, explorer Grigory Shelekhov founded Russia's first permanent settlement in Alaska at Three Saints Bay.
6. 1799: 1799 Milestone — Russian colonial possessions in the Americas were collectively known as Russian America from 1799 to 1867.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Russian colonization of North America

True or False: “The primary economic driver for Russian expansion into Alaska was the lucrative trade in beaver pelts, not sea otters.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While fur trade was central, the high value and abundance of sea otter pelts significantly fueled later operations, particularly around California.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Russian colonization of North America