Alaska, with its stunning landscapes, icy wilderness, and unique culture, is a state unlike any other in the United States. But have you ever wondered why Alaska is part of the United States in the first place?
What’s the story behind this vast and remote land becoming part of the nation? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history and reasons behind Alaska’s inclusion in the United States.
Table of contents
How did the United States acquire Alaska?
The United States acquired Alaska from Russia through a purchase known as the Alaska Purchase or Seward’s Folly. Here’s how it happened:
Negotiations
In the mid-19th century, Russia was experiencing financial difficulties and faced challenges in defending its remote Alaskan territory. The Russian government, led by Tsar Alexander II, decided to explore the possibility of selling Alaska to the United States.
Secretary of State William H. Seward
The negotiations were carried out by William H. Seward, who was the U.S. Secretary of State at the time. Seward was a strong advocate for the acquisition of Alaska and believed in its strategic and economic value.
Purchase Agreement
On March 30, 1867, the United States and Russia signed the Treaty of Cession, which officially transferred Alaska from Russia to the United States. The purchase price was $7.2 million in gold, which amounted to about 2 cents per acre.
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Senate Ratification
The treaty had to be ratified by the U.S. Senate before it could become official. On April 9, 1867, the Senate ratified the treaty with a two-thirds majority vote.
On October 18, 1867, the formal transfer of authority took place in Sitka, Alaska, where the Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised, marking the change of ownership.
Initial Public Reaction
The purchase of Alaska was met with mixed reactions in the United States. Some critics referred to it as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox,” questioning the value of the remote and sparsely populated territory.
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Later Discoveries
Over time, Alaska’s vast natural resources, including gold, timber, and fisheries, were discovered. These discoveries changed public opinion, and Alaska’s economic importance became evident.
Today, the acquisition of Alaska is viewed as a pivotal moment in American history, as it added a vast and resource-rich region to the United States. Alaska’s natural beauty, unique culture, and economic contributions have made it an integral part of the nation.
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Why did Russia sell Alaska to the United States?
Russia sold Alaska to the United States primarily for economic and geopolitical reasons. Here are the key factors that led to the sale of Alaska:
- Financial Difficulties: In the mid-19th century, Russia was facing financial difficulties, including the high cost of maintaining and defending its remote Alaskan colony. The Russian-American Company, which managed Alaska for Russia, struggled financially, and the colony was not generating enough revenue to justify its expenses.
- Geopolitical Concerns: Russia was concerned about the possibility of British expansion in North America. British interests were already established in neighboring Canada, and there were fears that the British might acquire Alaska through diplomatic or military means. To prevent this and maintain some influence in the region, Russia considered selling Alaska to the United States.
- Difficulty in Defending Alaska: Alaska’s remote location made it challenging for Russia to defend the territory in the event of a conflict. The Russian government was concerned about its ability to protect Alaska, especially considering its distance from the Russian mainland.
- American Interest: The United States had expressed interest in acquiring Alaska for several years. Secretary of State William H. Seward was a strong advocate for the purchase and saw strategic and economic potential in the territory.
- As a result of these factors, Russia decided to sell Alaska to the United States. The Treaty of Cession, signed in 1867, officially transferred ownership of Alaska from Russia to the United States for $7.2 million in gold. While the sale was initially met with skepticism and even ridicule in the United States, the discovery of Alaska’s abundant natural resources in the years that followed ultimately justified the acquisition and transformed Alaska into a valuable part of the United States.
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When did Alaska officially become a U.S. state?
Alaska officially became the 49th U.S. state on January 3, 1959. This followed a period of territorial status and negotiations with the federal government. Statehood marked a significant milestone in Alaska’s history, as it transitioned from being a U.S. territory to a fully recognized state within the United States.
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Conclusion
The story of why Alaska is part of the United States is a tale of diplomacy, opportunity, and the vision of leaders who saw the potential of this vast land. From its acquisition from Russia in the 19th century to its eventual statehood in the mid-20th century, Alaska’s journey has been a remarkable part of American history. Today, Alaska stands as a unique and diverse state, contributing to the rich tapestry of the United States.
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Frequently Asked Question
The United States acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867 through a purchase known as the Alaska Purchase or Seward’s Folly. Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated the deal, which cost the U.S. $7.2 million.
Russia decided to sell Alaska primarily for economic and geopolitical reasons. They faced financial difficulties, and the remote territory was difficult to defend. The sale allowed Russia to gain some financial return while preventing potential British expansion.
No, Alaska was not always part of the United States. It was initially inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Russian colonization in the 18th century. It became part of the U.S. in 1867.
After becoming a U.S. territory, Alaska witnessed the Klondike Gold Rush, the construction of the Alaska Railroad, and the discovery of vast natural resources, including oil. These events shaped Alaska’s development and its role in the U.S.
Alaska officially became the 49th U.S. state on January 3, 1959. Statehood followed decades of territorial status and negotiations with the federal government.
References
- en.wikipedia.org– Why is Alaska Part of the United States
- thecoldwire.com– Why is Alaska Part of the United States
- britannica.com– Why is Alaska Part of the United States
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