In 1762, Empress Catherine of Russia invited ethnic Germans to immigrate to Russia to develop the country's agriculture, allowing them to retain their language and culture. Thousands of Germans left their native land to settle in their own ethnic and religious groups. In the late 19th century some of Catherine's preferential terms began to be revoked, prompting another large migration--this time to the New World. We will discuss issues facing genealogists who have ancestors who were Germans from Russia as well as explore sources and methods.
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