The Russian Americans

In Russia, as in other parts of Europe, people began leaving their homeland for North America during the 19th century.

Some left because they wanted to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Others were forced to leave because of the harsh policies of Russia's czarist rulers.

After Russia's last czar was overthrown and a Communist government came into power and set up the Soviet Union in the early decades of the 20th century, large numbers of upper- and middle-class Russians fled the country.

For many years during the Cold War, the Soviet government refused to permit immigration to the United States.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, Russians again began coming to America in significant numbers.

Russian immigrants have added their unique culture, language, and experiences to the American way of life.