Interesting Tidbit, ACW

Germaniac

Donor
Something I found in the almighty all knowing Wikipedia. After one of my 3 hour wiki Binges I found an interesting piece of knowledge about Russia's intentions during the American Civil War. Apparently during the war the Russian Pacific Squadron was based out of San Fransisco, along with a fleet stationed in New York, and had orders that if war broke out between Britain and the Union the Squadron was to begin attacking British naval Targets.

Now most likely the Fleets were stationed there in case Russia was forced into a war with Britain or France in some other European conflict. However many Americans probably thought of this as a show of good will between russia and the US. If the British and the French support the Confederacy is there a chance Russia comes to the side of the Union? What implications does this have on their friendships and does a land war in Europe also break out?
 
Don't believe everything posted in Wikipedia. The presence of the Russian squadron in American ports has taken on mythic heights in US history. I think its highly unlikely that the Russians would have automatically gone to war with Britain had the British gone to war with the Union.

The Russians forces were moved to safe ports in the eventuality of a war between Britain and Russia over the Poles.
 
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