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Relations with Russia

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  • April 6, 2014
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The relations between France and Russia have varied throughout history. Sometimes France and Russia were allies; other times they were enemies. Although both countries have had disagreements, overall, Russia is and has been an important ally for France. Relations between Russia and France date back to the absolute monarchies’ stages of both countries. The present day country of France was known as the Kingdom of France between 843-1792 while Russia was known as the Tsardom of Russia between 1547 and 1721. Diplomatic ties between Russia and France began in 1702, when France established an ambassador in Moscow, Jean Casimir. Since there was such a vast amount of space between both countries, they rarely had conflicts over land. Whenever conflicts between countries in Europe arose, Russia and France were always on opposite sides of the wars. The first major conflict between France and Russia occurred during the French Revolution. Russia fought in the War of the Second Coalition in an effort to contain/eliminate Revolutionary France. After Napoleon Bonaparte took power in 1799, Russia remained hostile and fought in both the Third and Fourth Coalition. After France won these coalitions, a French-backed Polish state known as the Duchy of Warsaw was established in 1807. Conflicts then arose between France and Russia along the borders of Duchy of Warsaw which led to France invading Russia in 1812. Russia defeated France which ultimately led to Napoleon Bonaparte’s removal and the Bourbon Restoration. Tension again erupted between France and Russia during the Revolutions of 1848. Russia was conservative and was against revolution, while France supported it. These differing ideas led to France participating in the Crimean War. In response to Britain and Japan forming an alliance in 1902, Russia and France became allies. Another alliance between Russia and France formed during World War I. France, Russia, and Britain established the Triple Entente. This alliance...