Alaska

On October 18, 1867, Alaska was acquired from the Russian Empire in a treaty signed by President Andrew Johnson. Leading up to the Alaskan Purchase, Alaska was a sparsely populated frontier of the Russian Empire. The region was filled with natural resources and mining, which made it desirable for the United States and Russia alike. As the US expanded west, they increasingly eyed Alaska with promise.

Originally settled by Russian promyshlenniki, Siberian fur trappers and merchants, Alaska was under very loose control. The Russian merchants began trading with the Pacific Northwest of the United States and the Russo-American Treaty of 1824 was passed. This limited Russia’s land claims in the Pacific Northwest, thus resulting in more favorable US-Russia relations. America had a chance to explore Alaska since the treaty also opened up Russian ports to US ships.

After being defeated in the Crimean War, Russia needed money to pay for their debts. Although the US was not thinking about Alaska during the Civil War, William Seward was willing to negotiate with Russia after the Union victory. In March of 1867, Seward agreed to buy the Alaskan territory for $7.2 million ($109 million today). This was only 2 cents per acre due to Alaska’s enormous size. Ultimately, the US purchase of Alaska ended any Russian influence in North America and it allowed the US to expand even further. In October of the same year, Alaska was officially US territory.

Alaska’s vastness and sparse population caused it to be dubbed “The Last Frontier,” and these characteristics made some believe that the region was worthless. Some critics of the Purchase labeled it as corrupt and unnecessary. Some called the annexation “Seward’s Icebox” or “Seward’s Folly,” saying that Alaska was a cold, desolate place that would be of no value to the United States. Some also opposed this purchase because they believed their tax money was going to fund a “polar bear garden.”

Proponents of the Alaskan Purchase, however, believed that it could provide great economic opportunities for the expanding United States. Also, supporters understood the importance of good relations with Russia, who were willing to give up Alaska for money. Finally, some believed that acquiring Alaska was the first step in annexing Canada and increasing trade with East Asia, all of which were desires of some Americans.

Seward’s opponents were proven wrong about the Alaskan “icebox” with the discovery of gold in 1896. Alaska was turning out to be a place where the US could benefit economically - both in trade and natural resources. Although the process of acquiring Alaska began in the early 1800s, the territory did not become a state until January 3, 1959.

Whether or not the purchase has been profitable is widely debated. Some believe that purchasing Alaska greatly helped the American economy and led to a positive return on investment. Others argue that the cost of purchasing the region was very high and it has not been profitable. Still, America’s idea of manifest destiny was a large motivator in the purchase of Alaska. During the nineteenth century, people were wondering how far the United States would go in expanding west. Alaska, though, has remained a sparsely populated territory and has been deemed America’s “last frontier” since its acquisition.



Sources -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Purchase

https://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/alaska-purchase

https://www.britannica.com/event/Alaska-Purchase

https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/alaska.html