Why did John Paul Jones join the Russian navy in 1787?

Even though John Paul Jones was first loyal to Great Britain, he switched his allegiance to the United States when the U.S. declared their independence from Britain. However, after the American Revolutionary War, John Paul Jones became loyal to Russia.

John Paul Jones had proven his success but after a war that doesn’t always mean that he will have a great job after that. Jones was first going to commander a ship called America, but before he could take charge a change was made.

The ship was given to the French for their help. So, Jones needed a job. The empress of Russia at the time, Catherine II gave him a job. He showed allegiance to Russia but never turned his back on the U.S.