The Real Reason Russia Sold Alaska To The United States

Summary

The script explores why Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. Initially, Russian fur trade thrived but declined due to overhunting and mismanagement. Alaska's harsh climate and the Crimean War made it difficult for Russia to maintain control. The sale to the U.S., for $7.2 million, was strategic to strengthen relations and irritate Britain. Initially mocked as 'Seward's Folly,' the purchase proved wise with the Klondike Gold Rush and Alaska's vast resources. Today, some Russians regret the sale, considering Alaska's strategic and economic value.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. with abundant natural resources including oil, fish, minerals, and scenic beauty.
• 🤔 The purchase of Alaska from Russia by the U.S. in 1867 was initially perplexing to many due to its harsh conditions and sparse population.
• 🛳 Vitus Bering's crossing to Alaska in 1741 opened opportunities for Russian hunters and entrepreneurs, but also led to tensions with the native population.
• 🗡️ In 1802, the Tlingit people attacked a Russian outpost, sparking two years of conflict and highlighting the challenges of Russian colonization.
• 📈 The Russian-American Company initially thrived under Alexander Baranov's leadership but declined after his retirement and military takeover.
• 🦦 The overhunting of otters for fur led to the collapse of the Alaskan fur trade, impacting the financial viability of the Russian endeavor.
• ❄️ The harsh Alaskan climate made it difficult for Russians to sustain their outpost, and Moscow's distance complicated support efforts.
• 🌾 In 1811, the Russian-American Company attempted to establish a foothold in California to support Alaska with food, but this venture also failed.
• 🔍 The Crimean War in the 1850s exposed Russia's inability to defend Alaska, as enemy naval powers controlled sea routes.
• 🇺🇸 Russia chose to sell Alaska to the U.S. rather than Canada due to diplomatic relations and a desire to strengthen ties with the U.S. and irritate Britain.
• 💰 The U.S. acquired Alaska for $7.2 million, or 2 cents per acre, a deal that was later seen as highly beneficial during the Klondike Gold Rush.
• 🤷‍♂️ Despite initial skepticism, the purchase proved advantageous for the U.S., leading to economic growth and strategic advantages in the Arctic.

Q & A

Why did Russia sell Alaska to the United States?

Russia sold Alaska to the United States due to a combination of factors including the decline of the fur trade, difficulties in sustaining the outpost in Alaska's harsh climate, logistical challenges in defending the territory, and geopolitical concerns during the Crimean War.

What was the role of the Russian-American Company in Alaska?

The Russian-American Company was formed to exploit Alaska's resources. Initially, it thrived under Alexander Baranov's leadership, but later faced issues when taken over by the Russian military, leading to overhunting and the collapse of the fur trade.

What was the significance of the Tlingit people's uprising in 1802?

The Tlingit people's uprising in 1802 marked a significant conflict between the native population and the Russian settlers, leading to two years of warfare and highlighting the tensions between the two groups.

Why did the Russian-American Company decide to try California?

The Russian-American Company decided to try California in 1811 because they believed they could grow food in the more temperate climate and ship it to Alaska to sustain their outposts, but the farming efforts struggled and they also depleted the local otter population.

How did the Crimean War impact Russia's decision to sell Alaska?

The Crimean War made Russia concerned about being cut off from their North American territory due to their enemies controlling the sea routes. This, combined with the loss of half a million troops, weakened Russia's ability to defend Alaska, influencing their decision to sell.

Why did Russia choose to sell Alaska to the United States instead of Canada?

Russia chose to sell Alaska to the United States because at the time, Canada was still part of Britain, with whom Russia had just fought a war. The United States and Russia were on better terms, and the sale would strengthen diplomatic relations.

What was the price at which Alaska was sold to the United States?

Alaska was sold to the United States for $7.2 million, which equates to approximately 2 cents per acre.

What was the term used to describe the purchase of Alaska by the United States?

The purchase of Alaska was initially derided as 'Seward's Folly,' named after Secretary of State William H. Seward who orchestrated the deal.

How did the Klondike gold rush impact the perception of the Alaska purchase?

The Klondike gold rush, which occurred 30 years after the purchase, brought 100,000 settlers to Alaska and added $1 billion to the American economy, proving the value of the territory and validating Seward's decision.

What are some of the geopolitical implications if Russia still owned Alaska today?

If Russia still owned Alaska, they would control the oil, mining, fisheries, and other natural resources of the state. Additionally, they would have strategically placed military bases and a stronger claim to the Arctic, influencing discussions on climate change-related issues.

What is the historical significance of the Alaska purchase in terms of Manifest Destiny?

The Alaska purchase was seen as part of Manifest Destiny, the 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent, reaching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.