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Richard Washburn Child travelled to Russia in 1916 on the eve of its dramatic revolutions and describes what he observes, making a case for American investment in the country before other nations take advantage of the opportunity.
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About This Book
Richard Washburn Child was an American author and diplomat who served as the U.S. ambassador to Italy between 1921 and 1924 during the rise of fascism in that country. Earlier, however, Child visited Russia on the eve of the revolution and was greatly impressed with what he saw. He praised the Russians for their spirit and independence. He optimistically believed that Russia was a dormant force ready to liberate itself from its feudal past and spring forward into modernity. He describes Russia’s resources, both natural and human, and attempts to explain the Russian mindset.
Child acknowledged rumours of a stirring revolutionary mood, but he did not believe they were accurate. Reading his observations, given what we know would soon happen, is both fascinating and poignant. Child would later go on to be a huge supporter of Mussolini and editor of the dictator’s autobiography.
Child urged the United States to establish partnerships with Russia and create opportunities with this powerful nation before other countries beat them to it. He believed that Great Britain was already taking steps to invest in Russia. Child also emphasised the importance of sending representatives to Russia who actually understood the customs and spoke the language.
Reviews
“Potential Russia offers an in-depth exploration of Russian life during the First World War. Richard Washburn Child sympathetically describes the plight of refugees, the isolation of the royal family, and the state of the war effort, while insisting that deep patriotism will prohibit a separate peace or revolutionary upheaval. Lee Farrow’s excellent introduction makes this firsthand account of a pivotal era accessible to all.” — Alison Rowley, Department of History, Concordia University (Montreal)
“This is an excellent primary source that provides insight into wartime Russia. Child’s discussions with individuals from all aspects of Russian society present diverse views regarding the country’s social, political, and economic structures. Farrow’s introduction and explanatory notes readily enable readers to understand the context in which Child recorded his observations.” — Cadra Peterson McDaniel, Associate Professor of History, Texas A&M University-Central Texas
“Richard Washburn Child’s 1916 account provides a mixture of thoughtful insights, common stereotypes, enthusiastic optimism, and substantial miscalculations. This book deserves to be read over a century later to observe how one American reflected on Russia’s social, political, economic, and military development on the eve of the revolution. Lee Farrow presents a clear and concise introduction.” — Matthew Lee Miller, PhD, Professor of History, University of Northwestern – St. Paul, St. Paul, Minnesota, Author of The American YMCA and Russian Culture: The Preservation and Expansion of Russian Orthodoxy, 1900–1940
Author Information
Dr. Lee A. Farrow is a Distinguished Research Professor and Distinguished Teaching Professor of History at Auburn University at Montgomery and Chair of the Department of History and World Cultures. She received her MA and PhD from Tulane University (1998) and has published extensively in the field of Russian–American studies.
Series
Anthem Americans in Revolutionary Russia
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. Between Yesterday and Tomorrow; 2. Cannon Meat; 3. All for Russia; 4. The Blight; 5. Czar and People; 6. Bureaucracy and National Spirit; 7. Russia’s Better Half; 8. The Miracle Measure; 9. The Future of Russia; 10. Resources and Development; 11. A Call to America; Index
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