When did the U.S. establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union?

 The United States established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union on November 16, 1933, after almost 16 years of non-recognition following the Bolshevik Party's seizure of power in 1917 ¹. This significant move was made by President Franklin Roosevelt, who saw the potential benefits of establishing formal diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union, including limiting Japanese expansionism in Asia and expanding American commercial interests ¹.

Prior to this, the U.S. government had broken off diplomatic relations with Russia in December 1917, due to concerns over the new Bolshevik government's refusal to honor prior debts, ignore pre-existing treaty agreements, and seize American property ¹. However, with the Great Depression underway, Roosevelt sought to explore new avenues for cooperation and recognized the Soviet Union as a major world power ¹.

The establishment of diplomatic relations was facilitated by a series of negotiations between Roosevelt and Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs Maxim Litvinov, which addressed outstanding issues such as debt repayment, religious freedoms, and non-interference in American domestic affairs ¹. This marked a significant shift in U.S.-Soviet relations, paving the way for future cooperation, including during World War II ².