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NEP Introduced
Lenin announced his New Economic Policy (NEP).This policy allowed a number of private American businesses to invest in the Russian economy. This is a step forward in the relations between these two nations because, in a way, it welcomed the United States into their affairs. -
Great Famine
Widespread famine began in the spring of 1921 and eventually overtook Russia, claiming the lives of over 7 million people and lasting until 1923. Even though there were no official relations between Russia and the United States, the US government provided a lot of relief for the Russian people. By providing aid, the US was able to get on the Russians' good side. -
USSR is established.
On this day, the USSR was established, uniting Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine, and the Transcaucasian Federation. This is extremely important because this was the formation of what would become one of the big world powers. -
Lenin Dies
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the leader of Russia, died on this day. This made way for General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Joseph Stalin, to rise to power. The new leader of Russia could very easily make relations between the US improve or deteriorate, making the US's future with the USSR unpredictable. -
US recognizes USSR
The United States officially recognized the USSR, inviting Soviet Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov to Washington for negotiations. On this day, the US signed an agreement, officialy establishing formal diplomatic relations, which was a huge step in the relationship between the two nations because it made it official. -
Purges Begin
Stalin went on killing purges, taking the lives of anyone who was even slightly disloyal, in order to ensure the security of his power. Though the US ambassadors were apalled by his actions, the US continued their diplomatic relationship with the USSR. However, things between the two countries became tense due to their moral differences. -
Lend-Lease Begins
After being invaded by the Germans, president Roosevelt gave them weapons, money, and support for their fight against Nazi Germany. -
Germany invaded the Soviet Union
Using military force, the Germans were able to invade Poland. This event caused the US to go to the Soviets' side, resulting in another swing in diplomatic relations between the two countries. -
Yalta Conference Began
During the conference, the USSR was granted control over Poland and Stalin agreed to join the United Nations. However, he had underlying intentions which Roosevelt and Churchill did not know about (and they were not good). For example, he set up a communist government in Poland when they had agreed to set up democracies. Once the United States realized what he was up to, the good relations deteriorated.