he Russian Empire strived to gain a foothold in the Americas during the 18th century, but after a defeat in the Crimean War, 1853-1856, Russia no longer had the financial capabilities to support its colonies in Alaska. Russia preferred the territory go to the United States rather than Great Britain, Russia’s longtime enemy, but the Civil War kept America’s attention far away from northern Alaska. After the Civil War, Secretary of State William Seward quickly pursued the Russian offer. On March 30, 1867, Seward and Russian ambassador Stoecki signed the treaty for the U.S. purchase of Alaska. The United States paid $7.2 million, roughly two cents per acre, for the large territory that would one day provide the country with gold and numerous natural resources. At first, this event was known as “Seward’s Folly,” but the strategic advantage coupled with the territory’s wealth of resources ultimately made it a wise purchase for the United States.
The Purchase of Alaska
T
Other: Salmon-Canning Industry started
1878
Other: Homestead Act extended to Alaska
1898
Other: Japanese invade Alaskan islands of Kiska and Attu
1942
Other: Capital city established at Juneau
1900
Other: Alaska becomes the 49th U.S. state
1949
Other: Klondike Gold Rush
1897
Other: Gold discovered near Juneau
1880
Other: Anglo-Russian Treaty establishes Alaska’s borders
1825
Other: Alaska becomes a U.S. territory
1912
Other: First Mission School for Eskimos opens
1835
Location
Alaska
Other: Alaska formally becomes part of the U.S.
18/10/1867
Other: Treaty signed for Alaska purchase
30/03/1867
Other: US Senate ratifies the treaty for Alaska purchase
9/04/1867
Other: President Andrew Johnson signs the treaty
28/05/1867
Event
The U.S. Purchases Alaska from Russia
Also Known As
Seward's Folly
Prince Aleksandr Mikhailovich Gorchakov
Most resistant to the sale of Alaska
Grand Duke Konstantin Nicolavaevich
Strongest advocate for the sale of Alaska
Alexander II
Emperor of Russia
Baron de Stoecki
Russian ambassador to the United States
Andrew Johnson
President of the United States
William H. Seward
Secretary of State and a singular advocate for Alaska’s purchase
Nathaniel Banks
Gained support for the purchase in Congress
Charles Sumner
Provided key political support for Seward during the purchase of Alaska
Thaddeus Stevens
Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations
Forces War Records, The Purchase of Alaska (https://nz.forceswarrecords.com/memorial/92827100/the-purchase-of-alaska : accessed 5/11/2024), database and images, https://nz.forceswarrecords.com/memorial/92827100/the-purchase-of-alaska