The Alaska Purchase: From Russian Territory to American State

The article explores the fascinating history of the Alaska Purchase, a landmark expansion of United States territory that occurred in 1867. On October 18th of that year, the U.S. purchased the vast territory of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, which equates to around $129 million in today's dollars. This deal was negotiated by U.S. diplomat William Seward and Russian representative Eduard de Stoeckl, with Russia agreeing to hand over the sparsely populated region to avoid potentially losing it to the United Kingdom.

While some Americans celebrated the purchase, believing it would boost trade with Asia, others derided it as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," doubting the value of the icy, remote territory. However, the article notes that this assessment proved short-sighted. After the sale, the departure of Russian settlers left Alaska with a small population until the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896, which generated over $1 billion in new wealth for the U.S. and highlighted Alaska's abundant natural resources, including timber, salmon, and petroleum.




The article also traces the evolving administrative status of Alaska, from the Department of Alaska to the District of Alaska in 1884, the Alaska Territory in 1912, and finally the State of Alaska on January 3, 1959. Crucially, the article underscores how Alaska's strategic importance grew tremendously during the Cold War, making it a vital asset for the U.S. military. Overall, the Alaska Purchase emerges as a pivotal event in the expansion of American territory and influence, with long-lasting geopolitical and economic ramifications.

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