America and its history are usually described as a melting pot for all nationalities and races. History books tend to focus on the plight of the Colonists leaving England; but little did we know at the time the Colonists were seeking independence from England, another pilgrimage across the world was taking place.
     Sophia Augusta Frederika of Anhalt-Zerbst was born on April 2, 1729, in Germany. When she grew older, she married Czar Peter and became Catharine the Great. After her husband's death, she declared herself Empress of Russia.
     On July 22, 1763, Catharine the Great issued a "Manifesto." It stated that the Russian government would "permit all foreigners to come into our Empire, in order to settle in all the governments, just as each one may desire." She also said that the settlers would not owe taxes and that they would not have to serve in the Armed Forces. It was Catharine's goal to improve the Russian finances. She also felt that, socially, Russians were backward and by bringing Germans into the country, financially and socially Russia would be a better place. She advertised her promises in foreign newspapers and thousands responded to her offer; among the people that responded were many Germans.
     It wasn't easy when the Germans arrived in Russia. There was no housing so they had to live in Army barracks. When they were able, they built waddle and mud huts. Despite these hardships during the first four years, it is estimated that 25,000 Germans immigrated to Russia to the live along the Volga River area.
     Catharine had many ideas regarding religion. She had wanted each village to be of the same religion, but the settlers sought to keep their identity. Despite their attempts to keep their identity, each village developed their own cultures and attitudes. The Germans lived a satisfied life and once established, they overcame the initial hardships. They were productive farmers, and the areas where they settled flourished and grew.
     As time progressed, jealousy arose among their Russian neighbors because of the Germans' prosperity. The Russian government also changed some of its views regarding the German settlers. Although the Germans were not entirely German, the Russians were afraid they would not be completely loyal to Russia.
     Nearly 100 years after the first German settlers came to Russia, changes were happening across the world in the United States. The Homestead Act was instituted in 1862. It promised 160 acres of free land to citizens and newcomers if they would live on the land for five years and improve it. News of this reached Russia and interested the Germans. So once again, the Germans moved their families in the search of a better life. This time it would be America they traveled to; just as their ancestors once did when they left Germany for Russia. The United States would not be the first stop as it was for the English colonists, but it was their last stop. Many Germans from Russia exist in America today, adding another race and nationality to our melting pot.