In 1763 Catherine the Great of Russia issued a manifesto of sorts. This document asked for Germans to migrate into Russia to farm the lands while also giving them relative autonomy to live. They would become Russian citizens but still were able to maintain their language and culture.
The moved by Catherine was due in part to religious persecution and intolerance going on in Europe during the time. This along with troubled economic conditions made the move to the fertile grounds and ideal situation to many of these Germans. Catherine, who was of German decent, also had a soft spot for the people.