John R. Mott, The American YMCA, and Revolutionary Russia: An Introduction

Abstract

This article introduces documents published in a recent addition to the book series, Americans in Revolutionary Russia. The title of the volume is Recent Experiences and Impressions in Russia by John R. Mott and presents a collection of public addresses and letters created during Mott’s participation in a United States diplomatic mission to Russia—sent by President Woodrow Wilson and led by Elihu Root—from May to August 1917. These historical documents (printed in 1917 but never published) describe this Root Mission and offer perspectives on several momentous events of the era, such as World War I and the February Revolution, as well as encounters with members of the Provisional Government and leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church. The documents include a proposal for the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) to carry out a program of service among Russia’s military. Service with Fighting Men: An Account of the Work of the American Young Men’s Christian Associations in the World War (published in 1924) presents the YMCA’s official description and evaluation of the work carried out in Russia in response to Mott’s plans.