Alaska Purchase: A Historic Deal That Shaped the United States

The Alaska Purchase, also known as the Treaty of Cession, was a historic agreement between the United States and the Russian Empire that took place in 1867.

Under the terms of the treaty, the United States purchased Alaska for the sum of $7.2 million, or approximately 2 cents per acre. At the time, the purchase was widely criticized and viewed as a foolish investment, but it ultimately proved to be a wise decision that shaped the United States in many ways.

Origins of the Alaska Purchase

The origins of the Alaska Purchase can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when Russia began to consider selling its holdings in North America. The Russian Empire had established a colony in Alaska in the 18th century, but by the 1860s, the colony was struggling financially and logistically. Russian officials were also concerned about the potential for conflict with the British, who had a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest.

At the same time, the United States was expanding westward and looking for new territories to add to its growing empire. Several influential Americans, including Secretary of State William Seward, recognized the potential value of Alaska, both for its natural resources and its strategic location. Seward was particularly enthusiastic about the purchase, referring to Alaska as “a grand addition to our national domain.“

Negotiations and Criticisms

The negotiations for the Alaska Purchase took place in 1867 and were led by William Seward on the American side and Eduard de Stoeckl on the Russian side. The negotiations were conducted in secret, and news of the purchase did not reach the American public until several months later.

The purchase was met with significant criticism and skepticism, both in the United States and abroad. Many Americans felt that the price of $7.2 million was too high for a remote and sparsely populated territory that was known for its harsh climate and difficult terrain. Critics derided the purchase as “Seward’s Folly” and “Johnson’s Polar Bear Garden,” referring to President Andrew Johnson, who signed the treaty into law.

Despite the criticisms, the Alaska Purchase was ultimately approved by Congress and ratified by the Russian government. On October 18, 1867, the United States officially took possession of Alaska, which became the 49th state in 1959.

Impact of the Alaska Purchase

The Alaska Purchase had a significant impact on the United States and the world. In the short term, the purchase was criticized for being a financial boondoggle, but in the long term, it proved to be a wise investment that brought many benefits to the United States.

One of the most significant benefits of the Alaska Purchase was the discovery of gold in the late 19th century. The discovery of gold in the Klondike region of Alaska in 1896 sparked a gold rush that brought thousands of people to the region and led to the development of towns and cities throughout Alaska.

The purchase also gave the United States a strategic foothold in the Pacific Northwest and helped to solidify its position as a major world power. The acquisition of Alaska gave the United States control over a vast territory with abundant natural resources, including timber, fish, and minerals. It also provided the United States with a valuable military outpost and a base for further expansion into the Pacific.

In addition to its strategic and economic benefits, the Alaska Purchase also had significant cultural and environmental impacts. The purchase brought Alaska’s Native American populations into contact with American settlers and led to the introduction of new cultural and economic practices. It also raised questions about the proper stewardship of Alaska’s natural resources and led to the development of conservation policies to protect the state’s unique ecosystem.

In 1868, the United States finalized the acquisition of nearly 600,000 square miles of land from the Russian Government. A treasury warrant, issued on August 1st of that year at the Sub-Treasury Building in New York City, transferred $7.2 million to the Russian Minister Edouard de Stoeckl. The price of the purchase? Just under two cents per acre. The original document can be found in the National Archives under the Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of Treasury.

The Alaska Purchase was a historic agreement that shaped the course of American history and had far-reaching impacts on the world.

While it was initially criticized and ridiculed, it ultimately proved to be a wise investment that brought many benefits to the United States.

The purchase of Alaska gave the United States control over a vast territory with abundant natural resources, including timber, fish, and minerals. It also provided the United States with a valuable military outpost and a base for further expansion into the Pacific. The discovery of gold in the late 19th century further increased the economic value of Alaska and led to the development of towns and cities throughout the region.

However, the Alaska Purchase also had significant cultural and environmental impacts. The purchase brought Alaska’s Native American populations into contact with American settlers and led to the introduction of new cultural and economic practices. It also raised questions about the proper stewardship of Alaska’s natural resources and led to the development of conservation policies to protect the state’s unique ecosystem.

Today, Alaska is a thriving state with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse economy. Its natural beauty and abundant resources continue to draw visitors and investors from around the world. The legacy of the Alaska Purchase lives on, reminding us of the importance of strategic foresight and the potential value of even the most remote and challenging territories.