Famous Americans and learning of the Russian Language in the USA in the XIX century

Abstract

The article presents data obtained in the course of the study of the process of popularization and dissemination of Russian language teaching in the USA in the 19th century. The author gives facts from the biographies of famous Americans of this period, which prove the manifestation of their interest in learning Russian. The article suggests that the interest in the Russian language in the USA in the 19th century was purely personal. Before the American education system and private foundations paid close attention to the need to introduce teaching Russian into the school and university curriculum, it was learnt by enthusiasts and a small number of Americans who were guided by personal reasons that prompted them to turn to learning Russian language. The article also discusses these reasons, as well as the consequences of this learning.