The establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and the Soviet Union represented a watershed moment in international diplomacy and marked a significant realignment in U.S. foreign policy. Following the Russian Revolution, the U.S. had maintained a policy of non-recognition towards the Soviet government, largely due to its communist ideology that clashed with American capitalism. However, in the context of the global economic crisis and the need for economic partnerships, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought a more pragmatic approach. The decision to recognize the Soviet Union officially on this date was prompted by the potential benefits of economic trade and an acknowledgment of the USSR's role on the world stage.On November 16, the United States extended recognition to the Soviet government, paving the way for diplomatic dialogue. The famed diplomat William C. Bullitt was appointed as the first U.S. ambassador to the USSR, and in return, the Soviet government sent their representative, Maxim Litvinov, to Washington. This exchange symbolized a thaw in relations, marking the beginning of bilateral discussions on various issues, including trade agreements, arms control, and later, security concerns leading into World War II and the Cold War.The event had far-reaching consequences, not only for U.S.-Soviet relations but also for the structure of international diplomacy. It allowed the U.S. to engage with communist countries in a way that had previously been considered unacceptable, influencing future foreign policies. With the onset of the Cold War, this recognition would be scrutinized and challenged. The implications of this diplomatic recognition also set the stage for the complex interplay of ideological conflict, mutual mistrust, and the eventual arms race between the two superpowers.