In the midst of the Great Depression, the United States, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, decided to take a bold step towards recognizing the world's first socialist state, the Soviet Union. After 16 years of no official relations, the two nations finally shook hands, marking a significant shift in their foreign policies. On November 16, 1933, Roosevelt's administration formally recognized the Soviet Union, acknowledging the communist government and paving the way for increased diplomatic and economic cooperation.