What was the Alaska Purchase?

The Alaska Purchase was the acquisition of Alaska from the Russian Empire by the United States in 1867 for a sum of $7.2 million. This transaction transferred sovereignty over the territory, with American sovereignty becoming legally effective on October 18, 1867.

For how much did the United States purchase Alaska from the Russian Empire?

The United States purchased Alaska for $7.2 million, which is equivalent to approximately $129 million in 2023. This price amounted to about two cents per acre.

When was the treaty for the Alaska Purchase signed?

The treaty for the Alaska Purchase was signed on March 30, 1867.

When did the United States Senate ratify the Alaska Purchase treaty?

The United States Senate ratified the treaty for the Alaska Purchase on May 15, 1867.

Who were the primary negotiators for the Alaska Purchase?

The key figures involved in the negotiations were William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State, and Eduard de Stoeckl, the Russian diplomat representing the Russian Empire.

What was the main reason Russia decided to sell Alaska?

Russia decided to sell Alaska primarily because the territory was difficult to defend against the United Kingdom in any future conflict, especially after Russia's defeat in the Crimean War. They also feared that the territory would be easily conquered by British forces based in neighboring Canada.

What was the Russian presence like in Alaska before the purchase?

Before the purchase, Russia had established a colonial presence through merchants and fur trappers known as *promyshlenniki*. The Russian-American Company received a charter in 1799 to hunt for fur, and the Russian Orthodox Church sent missionaries. However, few Russians actually settled in Alaska, with only about 700 enforcing sovereignty over a vast territory.

What was the significance of the Russo-American Treaty of 1824 in relation to Alaska?

The Russo-American Treaty of 1824 was significant because Russia agreed to limit its territorial claims in North America to lands north of the 54th parallel, 40 minutes north latitude, and opened its ports to U.S. ships. This treaty was a response to U.S. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams's protest against an earlier Russian edict.

What were some of the common nicknames given to the Alaska Purchase by its opponents?

Opponents of the purchase commonly referred to it as "Seward's Folly," "Seward's Icebox," or "Walrussia." Some newspapers also called it a "sucked orange," criticizing it as a waste of taxpayer money on a "frozen wilderness."

What was the initial U.S. administrative organization of Alaska after the purchase?

After the purchase, Alaska was originally organized as the Department of Alaska. It was later renamed the District of Alaska in 1884 and then the Territory of Alaska in 1912, eventually becoming the State of Alaska in 1959.

What was the perceived value of Alaska by William H. Seward and other American proponents?

William H. Seward and many other Americans believed Alaska would serve as a crucial base for expanding American trade with Asia and globally. Senator Charles Sumner also anticipated the territory would be valuable on its own due to its natural resources like animals and forests.

How did Senator Charles Sumner view the Alaska Purchase in the context of global affairs?

Senator Charles Sumner compared the acquisition of Alaska to contemporary European colonial acquisitions, such as the French conquest of Algeria, suggesting it was a strategic move in line with global expansionist trends.

What was the vote count in the U.S. Senate for ratifying the Alaska Purchase treaty?

The United States Senate approved the treaty to acquire Alaska by a vote of 37 to 2.

What is the historical accuracy of the notion that the Alaska Purchase was unpopular among Americans?

According to historical analysis, the idea that the purchase was unpopular is a strong myth. Evidence suggests that a majority of newspapers supported or were neutral towards the purchase, and many citizens favored it, despite the existence of critical nicknames like "Seward's Folly."

What role did the seal fishery play in the U.S. decision to purchase Alaska?

The seal fishery was a significant consideration for the United States in purchasing Alaska, as it was expected to provide considerable revenue through leases, eventually yielding more than the purchase price itself.

What was the Bering Sea Controversy, and how did it relate to the Alaska Purchase?

The Bering Sea Controversy arose when the United States seized British sealing ships, challenging exclusive U.S. control over the seal resource in the Bering Sea. This dispute was resolved by an arbitration tribunal in 1893, which deemed the waters international and required the U.S. to pay Britain and adhere to preservation regulations.

How has the financial return of the Alaska Purchase been evaluated by economists?

Economists have differing views. Some argue the U.S. federal government did not see a positive financial return, as federal costs exceeded tax revenue and royalties. Others criticize these metrics, suggesting that when considering net national income, Alaska proved to be a valuable investment, similar to other Western states.

What is Alaska Day, and what does it commemorate?

Alaska Day is a holiday celebrated on October 18th to commemorate the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States on that date in 1867. It also marks the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in Alaska, replacing the Julian calendar used by the Russians.

What was the name of the Russian-American Company, and what was its role in Alaska?

The Russian-American Company (RAC) received a charter in 1799 to hunt for fur in Alaska. It played a significant role in Russia's colonial presence, managing the fur trade and establishing settlements like New Archangel (Sitka).

What was the significance of New Archangel (Sitka) in Russian America?

New Archangel, established in 1804, was a significant settlement in Russian America, serving as the center for the valuable trade in sea otter skins. By 1867, it had 116 log cabins and 968 residents.

What was the purpose of the *promyshlenniki* in Russian America?

The *promyshlenniki* were Russian merchants and fur trappers who expanded into North America, arriving in Alaska in 1732. They were instrumental in Russia's colonial activities, particularly in the fur trade.

What was Tsar Alexander I's 1821 edict concerning Russian claims in North America?

Tsar Alexander I issued an edict in 1821 declaring Russian sovereignty over the North American Pacific coast north of the 51st parallel north and forbidding foreign ships from approaching within 100 Italian miles (185 km) of these claims, which was protested by the United States.

How did the California Gold Rush influence Russian considerations regarding Alaska?

The California Gold Rush demonstrated the potential for gold discovery in North America. Russia feared that if gold were found in Alaska, Americans and Canadians would overwhelm the Russian presence, contributing to their decision to sell the territory.

What was the role of Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich in the proposal to sell Alaska?

Grand Duke Konstantin, a brother of Tsar Alexander II, actively pressed for the handover of Russian America to the United States starting in 1857. He believed it was inevitable that the U.S. would eventually take the territory and advocated for a sale.

What was the primary language used for the official text of the Alaska Purchase treaty?

The official text of the Alaska Purchase treaty was written in both French and English, alongside the Russian ratification document.

What happened to most of the Russian settlers after the Alaska Purchase?

Following the purchase, nearly all Russian settlers left Alaska, with many returning to Russia at the expense of the Russian-American Company.

What was the "Seward's Folly" criticism based on?

The criticism of "Seward's Folly" was based on the belief that the United States had acquired useless land, and that the taxpayer money spent on the purchase was wasted on a territory perceived as a frozen wilderness with little value beyond depleted fur-bearing animals.

What was the significance of the Klondike Gold Rush in relation to Alaska's perception?

The Klondike Gold Rush, which began in 1896, was significant because it was only after this event that Alaska began to be widely recognized as a valuable addition to U.S. territory.

How did the U.S. government administer the seal fisheries in Alaska after the purchase?

The U.S. government administered the seal fisheries through a lease to a company. This company paid a rental of $50,000 per annum and an additional $2.625 for each seal skin taken, with the skins being prepared for market in London.

What was the cost of Alaska per square mile at the time of the purchase?

The United States purchased Alaska for $7.2 million, covering an area of 586,412 square miles. This equates to approximately $12.29 per square mile.

What was the Russian name for the Alaska Peninsula, and what does it mean?

The Russian name for the Alaska Peninsula was *Alyaska* or *Alyeska*, derived from an Aleut word, *alashka* or *alaesksu*, meaning "great land" or "mainland."

What was the purpose of the Russian-American Company's charter granted in 1799?

The Russian-American Company (RAC) received its charter in 1799 to hunt for fur, playing a key role in Russia's economic activities and colonial presence in Alaska.

What was the main reason Russia wanted to sell Alaska to the United States specifically, rather than another power?

Russia hoped that the United States' presence in the region would offset the plans of Great Britain, its rival. By selling to the U.S., Russia aimed to prevent its archrival, the UK, from potentially gaining control of the territory.

What was the total land area purchased by the United States in the Alaska Purchase?

The United States acquired approximately 586,412 square miles (1,518,800 square kilometers) of territory in the Alaska Purchase.

What was the primary economic activity that made Alaska valuable to Russia in the early 19th century?

The primary economic activity that made Alaska valuable to Russia was the fur trade, particularly the hunting of sea otters for their valuable pelts.

What was the significance of the *Ukase of 1821* issued by Tsar Alexander I?

The *Ukase of 1821* declared Russia's sovereignty over the North American Pacific coast north of the 51st parallel north and forbade foreign ships from approaching within 100 Italian miles (185 km) of these claims, which was protested by the United States.

What was the role of the *Governing Senate* in Russia concerning the Alaska Purchase?

The Governing Senate in Russia was involved in the process of ratifying the Alaska Purchase, as indicated by the mention of a decree of the Governing Senate alongside the ratified convention in Russian legal collections.

What was the name of the ship used to transport Russians back to their native country after the purchase?

The ship purchased to transport the Russians back to their native country was named the *Winged Arrow*.

What was the significance of the *Treaty of the Danish West Indies* in relation to U.S. territorial expansion?

The Treaty of the Danish West Indies, signed in 1917, is listed alongside the Alaska Purchase as part of the territorial expansion of the United States, indicating another instance of the U.S. acquiring territory from a European power.

What does the phrase "Seward's Folly: Who's Laughing Now?" suggest about the long-term perception of the Alaska Purchase?

This phrase suggests that what was initially criticized as "Seward's Folly" eventually proved to be a wise and beneficial acquisition, leading to laughter or vindication for Seward's decision, implying the territory's value was later recognized.

What was the approximate number of Russians enforcing sovereignty in Alaska prior to the purchase?

Prior to the purchase, approximately 700 Russians were enforcing Russian sovereignty in Alaska.

What was the main reason cited by Senator Charles Sumner for supporting the Alaska Purchase?

Senator Charles Sumner supported the purchase because he believed it would benefit trade and that the territory itself contained valuable resources like animals and forests, comparing it to European colonial acquisitions.

What was the initial reaction of the U.S. press to the Alaska Purchase?

The majority of newspapers either supported the purchase or remained neutral. A review of contemporary newspapers indicated general support, particularly in California, with most major newspapers backing the deal.

What was the population of St. Paul in the Pribilof Islands in 1867?

St. Paul, located in the Pribilof Islands, had 100 homes and 283 residents in 1867, serving as the center of the seal fur industry.

What was the purpose of the *promyshlenniki* in the Russian colonization of North America?

The *promyshlenniki* were Russian merchants and fur trappers who expanded through Siberia and arrived in Alaska in 1732, forming the initial Russian presence in the region and contributing to the fur trade.

What was the significance of Castle Hill in Sitka, Alaska, in relation to the Alaska Purchase?

Castle Hill in Sitka was the site where the formal transfer ceremony of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place on October 18, 1867. It was the location where the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag was raised.

Who was Captain of 2nd Rank Aleksei Alekseyevich Peshchurov?

Captain of 2nd Rank Aleksei Alekseyevich Peshchurov was the Russian commissioner sent to Sitka who formally transferred the territory of Alaska to the United States by stating, "General Rousseau, by authority from His Majesty, the Emperor of Russia, I transfer to the United States the territory of Alaska."

Who was General Lovell Rousseau in the context of the Alaska Purchase?

General Lovell Rousseau was the U.S. Army officer who accepted the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia during the ceremony in Sitka on October 18, 1867.

What was the "Alaska scandal" mentioned in the sources?

The "Alaska scandal" is mentioned in relation to the press and Congress between 1867 and 1871, suggesting controversy or alleged impropriety surrounding the purchase or its aftermath, though the text does not provide specific details of the scandal itself.

What was the original cost of Alaska per acre in 2023 dollars?

The original cost of Alaska was $7.2 million, equivalent to $129 million in 2023 dollars. The per-acre cost was approximately $0.02, or about $4.74 per square kilometer in 2023 dollars.

What was the significance of the *Russo-American Treaty of 1824*?

The Russo-American Treaty of 1824 established the boundaries of Russian claims in North America, limiting them to north of 54°40′ N and opening Russian ports to U.S. ships, which was a response to earlier Russian assertions of control.

Alaska Purchase Wiki: The Great Northern Bargain: Unveiling the Alaska Purchase

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Overview

The Transaction

The Alaska Purchase was the acquisition of Alaska from the Russian Empire by the United States for $7.2 million in 1867. This significant territorial expansion, finalized on March 30, 1867, effectively doubled the size of the United States and added a vast, resource-rich territory.

Geographic Scope

The purchase encompassed approximately 586,412 square miles (1,518,800 km²) of territory, equating to roughly 2 cents per acre. This vast expanse represented a strategic move, extending American influence into the North Pacific and Arctic regions.

Key Dates

The treaty was signed on March 30, 1867, ratified by the U.S. Senate on May 15, 1867, and formally transferred on October 18, 1867, marking the beginning of American administration.

Historical Context

Russian Motivations

Following a costly defeat in the Crimean War, Russia found Alaska increasingly difficult and expensive to defend, particularly against the United Kingdom. The depletion of the sea otter population, crucial for the Russian-American Company's fur trade, further diminished the territory's economic viability. Emperor Alexander II sought to sell Alaska to the United States, partly to secure funds and partly to prevent it from falling into British hands.

American Interests

U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward was the primary proponent of the purchase. He envisioned Alaska as a strategic base for expanding American trade routes into Asia and the Pacific. Furthermore, the purchase served a political purpose, diverting attention from contentious domestic issues like Reconstruction and strengthening ties with Russia, a key ally during the recent Civil War.

Early Russian Presence

Russian explorers and fur traders, known as 'promyshlenniki', began arriving in Alaska in the early 18th century. The Russian-American Company, chartered in 1799, managed the territory, establishing settlements like New Archangel (Sitka) and relying on a small number of Russian administrators overseeing vast native populations. However, Russia never established a significant colonial settlement.

Negotiation and Treaty

The Agreement

Negotiations between Seward and Russian diplomat Eduard de Stoeckl culminated in the signing of the treaty on March 30, 1867. The agreed price was $7.2 million, a sum considered modest given the territory's potential resources and strategic value. The treaty stipulated the cession of Russian America to the United States, with specific provisions for the property and rights of the inhabitants.

Treaty Ratification

The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on May 15, 1867, by a vote of 37-2. Despite some opposition, proponents like Senator Charles Sumner argued persuasively for the strategic and economic benefits, comparing it favorably to European colonial acquisitions of the era.

Financial Mechanics

A significant portion of the purchase funds was reportedly allocated to settle debts owed by the Russian government to American contractors, the Winans brothers, highlighting the complex financial arrangements involved in the transaction.

Public Reception

"Seward's Folly"

The purchase was famously derided by some critics and segments of the press as "Seward's Folly," "Seward's Icebox," or "Walrussia." These detractors questioned the value of the seemingly barren, frozen territory and the expenditure of taxpayer money, viewing it as a wasteful acquisition.

Contemporary Support

Contrary to the persistent myth of universal opposition, contemporary newspaper accounts reveal considerable support for the purchase. Many publications, particularly in California, recognized the potential for trade expansion and resource discovery. The strategic importance of acquiring territory adjacent to British Columbia and maintaining friendly relations with Russia also contributed to favorable public opinion.

The Transfer Ceremony

Formal Handover

The official transfer ceremony occurred in Sitka on October 18, 1867. Russian troops lowered the imperial flag, while American soldiers raised the Stars and Stripes amidst artillery salutes, symbolizing the formal transfer of sovereignty. Captain Aleksei Alekseyevich Peshchurov represented Russia, handing the territory over to General Lovell Rousseau of the United States.

Russian Departure

Following the ceremony, most Russian citizens and administrators departed Alaska. A few traders and clergy chose to remain. Accounts from the time describe the mixed feelings of the departing Russians and the initial challenges faced by the new American administration in the remote territory.

Aftermath and Development

Resource Exploitation

Initially, Alaska remained sparsely populated and its economic potential was slow to be realized. However, the valuable seal fisheries, particularly in the Pribilof Islands, quickly proved lucrative. The administration of these fisheries generated substantial revenue for the U.S. government, eventually exceeding the initial purchase price. The discovery of gold during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896 significantly boosted interest and settlement.

International Disputes

The U.S. assertion of exclusive control over the Bering Sea seal resources led to the Bering Sea Controversy with Great Britain. An arbitration tribunal in 1893 ultimately ruled against the U.S. claim of internal waters, establishing regulations for resource preservation and requiring compensation to Britain.

Path to Statehood

Alaska was initially organized as the Department of Alaska, later becoming the District of Alaska in 1884, and the Territory of Alaska in 1912. Its journey culminated in statehood in 1959, solidifying its place within the United States.

Financial Considerations

Economic Debate

The financial return on the Alaska Purchase remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some analyses suggest that federal costs, including governing expenses and interest on the purchase loan, exceeded direct federal revenue generated from Alaska. Conversely, others argue that broader economic benefits, such as increased national income and the value of resources like oil and minerals, present a more favorable picture when considering the investment holistically.

Long-Term Value

Regardless of the immediate financial accounting, Alaska's immense natural resources, including vast reserves of oil, natural gas, minerals, timber, and fisheries, have proven invaluable to the U.S. economy over the long term. The purchase is often cited as a remarkably astute strategic investment, despite initial skepticism.

Alaska Day

Commemoration

Alaska Day, celebrated annually on October 18th, commemorates the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States on that date in 1867. This date marks the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in Alaska, replacing the Julian calendar used by the Russians.

State Holiday

Alaska Day is recognized as a public holiday for state employees, serving as an important reminder of the territory's historical transition and its eventual integration into the United States.

References

Source Materials

The information presented herein is derived from a synthesis of historical records and scholarly analyses pertaining to the Alaska Purchase. Detailed citations are available via the placeholder.

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References

Russian Opinion on the Cession of Alaska. The American Historical Review 48, No. 3 (1943), pp. 521â531.

Seward, Frederick W., Seward at Washington as Senator and Secretary of State. Volume: 3, 1891, p. 348.

Czar's Ratification of the Alaska Purchase Treaty, 6/20/1867, National Archives and Records Administration

United States Statutes at Large, Treaties and Proclamations, Volume 15: 1867â1869. Little, Brown & Co. Boston, 1869

Richard Pierce, introduction to Ahllund, T., From the Memoirs of a Finnish Workman (2006).

"Seward's Folly: Who's Laughing Now?", by Karen Harris, History Daily, January 2, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2019.

"Purchase of Alaska, 1867", Office of the Historian, Bureau of Public Affairs of the United States. Retrieved June 9, 2019.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Alaska Purchase Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available historical data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information is presented 'as is' and may not capture all nuances or the most current historical interpretations.

This is not historical or financial advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with qualified historians, geopolitical analysts, or financial advisors. Always verify information from primary sources and consult with experts for specific applications.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

The Great Northern Bargain

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

💰 The Transaction

📍 Geographic Scope

🏛️ Key Dates

Historical Context 📜

🇷🇺 Russian Motivations

🇺🇸 American Interests

🗺️ Early Russian Presence

Negotiation and Treaty 🤝

✍️ The Agreement

📜 Treaty Ratification

💸 Financial Mechanics

Public Reception 🗣️

🤔 "Seward's Folly"

📰 Contemporary Support

The Transfer Ceremony 🏛️

🚩 Formal Handover

🚶 Russian Departure

Aftermath and Development 📈

💎 Resource Exploitation

⚖️ International Disputes

➡️ Path to Statehood

Financial Considerations 📊

💰 Economic Debate

📈 Long-Term Value

Alaska Day 📅

🎉 Commemoration

🏛️ State Holiday

References 📚

🔗 Source Materials

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The Transaction

Geographic Scope

Key Dates

Historical Context

Russian Motivations

American Interests

Early Russian Presence

Negotiation and Treaty

The Agreement

Treaty Ratification

Financial Mechanics

Public Reception

"Seward's Folly"

Contemporary Support

The Transfer Ceremony

Formal Handover

Russian Departure

Aftermath and Development

Resource Exploitation

International Disputes

Path to Statehood

Financial Considerations

Economic Debate

Long-Term Value

Alaska Day

Commemoration

State Holiday

References

Source Materials

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice