The Alaska Purchase of 1867: A Historic Turning Point in U.S. Foreign Policy

The Alaska Purchase: A Turning Point in American History

The Alaska Purchase was the United States' acquisition of Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867. The purchase added 586,412 square miles (1,518,800 km2) of new territory to the United States for the cost of $7.2 million in 1867 which is equivalent to about $151 million in 2023 or $0.42 per acre. The acquisition of Alaska, a vast and rugged landmass situated in the northwest corner of North America, is a story that combines political maneuvering, economic foresight, and the exploration of new frontiers. The Alaska Purchase, formally known as the Treaty of Cession, stands as a significant moment in history, shaping the geopolitical landscape and opening the door to untold possibilities. In this article, we delve into the fascinating tale of the Alaska Purchase and its lasting impact on the United States and the world.

The purchase was controversial at the time, with many Americans calling it "Seward's Folly" after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the treaty. However, the purchase proved to be a wise investment, as Alaska eventually became a major source of oil, natural gas, and minerals. It also played a strategic role in the Cold War, as it provided the United States with a military presence in the Arctic.

There are several reasons why the United States purchased Alaska. One reason was to prevent Russia from selling it to another country, such as Britain. Another reason was to gain access to the natural resources of Alaska, such as furs, fish, and timber. The United States also hoped to use Alaska as a base for trade with China and Japan.

The Alaska Purchase was a turning point in American history. It marked the end of the United States' westward expansion and the beginning of its expansion into the Pacific. The purchase also helped to solidify the United States' position as a world power.

In the years since the Alaska Purchase, the United States has reaped many benefits from its investment in the territory. Alaska is now a major source of oil and natural gas, and it is home to a variety of other important resources, such as minerals and timber. Alaska is also a strategically important location, providing the United States with a military presence in the Arctic. In addition, Alaska is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to see its natural beauty, such as its mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.

The Alaska Purchase was a wise investment by the United States. It has provided the country with many benefits, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.

Here are some additional details about the Alaska Purchase:

1. The treaty that formalized the purchase was signed on March 30, 1867.

2. The transfer of Alaska to the United States took place on October 18, 1867.

3. The purchase was opposed by many members of Congress, who thought it was a waste of money.

The Alaska Purchase was a controversial event in 1867, when the United States acquired Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. The purchase was opposed by many members of Congress, who thought it was a waste of money. They objected to spending millions of dollars for what they considered to be a frozen, barren wasteland of no value. They also argued that the United States already had enough territory and did not need to acquire more.

Despite the opposition, the purchase was eventually approved by Congress and signed into law by President Andrew Johnson on April 9, 1867. The purchase price was equivalent to about $200 million today.

Some of the most vocal opponents of the purchase were:

• Horace Greeley, the editor of the New York Tribune, who called it "Seward's Folly"

• Charles Sumner, a senator from Massachusetts, who said that it was "a great mistake"

• Thaddeus Stevens, a congressman from Pennsylvania, who called it "the most ridiculous swindle that has ever been foisted upon the American people"
• The purchase was supported by Secretary of State William Seward, who believed that Alaska would be a valuable asset for the United States in the future.

Despite the opposition, the purchase was eventually approved by Congress and signed into law by President Andrew Johnson on April 9, 1867. The purchase price was $7.2 million, which is equivalent to about $200 million today.

The Alaska Purchase was a bold decision that was met with opposition at the time. However, it has since proven to be a valuable asset to the United States. Alaska has a wealth of natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. It is also strategically located at the top of North America, giving the United States a presence in the Arctic.

The Alaska Purchase is a reminder that sometimes, bold decisions that are met with opposition can turn out to be wise in the long run.

4. The purchase was also ridiculed by the media, who called it "Seward's Folly."

The purchase of Alaska by the United States in 1867 was met with widespread ridicule from the media and the public. The territory was vast, remote, and largely unknown at the time, and it was thought to be a worthless piece of land with no resources or strategic value.

The name "Seward's Folly" was coined by the New York Herald newspaper, which was a staunch opponent of President Andrew Johnson, who had authorized the purchase. The newspaper's editor, James Gordon Bennett, believed that the purchase was a waste of money and that it would only benefit Russia.

Other newspapers and politicians also mocked the purchase, calling it "Seward's icebox" or "Johnson's polar bear garden." A few even suggested that Alaska should be given back to Russia.

However, Secretary of State William Seward, who had negotiated the purchase, and his supporters believed that it was a wise investment. They argued that Alaska had the potential to be a valuable resource for the United States, and they pointed out that the purchase would give the United States a strategic advantage in the Pacific Ocean.

Seward's vision for Alaska was eventually vindicated. In the late 19th century, gold was discovered in the Yukon Territory, which is part of Alaska. This led to a gold rush that brought thousands of people to Alaska. The discovery of oil in Alaska in the 20th century further increased its value.

Alaska also played a strategic role in World War II. The Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands in 1942, but they were eventually driven back. Alaska's location in the Pacific made it an important base for the United States military during the war.

Today, Alaska is a valuable asset to the United States. It is a major producer of oil and natural gas, and it is also a popular tourist destination. Seward's purchase of Alaska, which was once ridiculed as "Seward's Folly," is now seen as one of the most shrewd deals in American history.

5. However, the purchase proved to be a wise investment, as Alaska eventually became a major source of oil, natural gas, and minerals.

The Alaska Purchase, which was finalized on March 30, 1867, was a controversial deal at the time. However, it has since proved to be a wise investment for the United States. Alaska is home to vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals, and it is also a major fishing and tourism destination.

The purchase of Alaska has helped the United States to become a major power in the Pacific region. It has also provided a valuable source of natural resources, which has helped to make the United States more energy independent.

Here are some of the benefits that the United States has reaped from the Alaska Purchase:

• Oil: Alaska is home to the North Slope oil field, which is one of the largest oil fields in the United States. The oil from this field has helped to make the United States more energy independent.
• Natural gas: Alaska also has large reserves of natural gas. This natural gas can be used to generate electricity and heat homes and businesses.
• Minerals: Alaska is rich in minerals, including gold, silver, copper, and zinc. These minerals are used in a variety of products, including electronics, jewelry, and construction materials.
• Fishing: Alaska has a long coastline and abundant fish resources. The fishing industry in Alaska is a major economic driver.
• Tourism: Alaska is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Tourism brings billions of dollars into the Alaskan economy each year.

The Alaska Purchase was a strategic and economic victory for the United States. It has helped to make the United States more secure and prosperous.

6. It also played a strategic role in the Cold War, as it provided the United States with a military presence in the Arctic.

The Alaska Purchase of 1867 was initially met with skepticism by many Americans, who saw it as a waste of money for a remote and unpopulated territory. However, the purchase proved to be a wise investment in the long run, as Alaska played a strategic role in the Cold War.

The United States built a number of military bases in Alaska during the Cold War, including Fort Wainwright, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Eielson Air Force Base. These bases helped to deter the Soviet Union from invading Alaska or launching a nuclear attack on the United States from the Arctic.

In addition to its military importance, Alaska also played a role in the Cold War as a scientific research outpost. The United States conducted a number of important scientific experiments in Alaska, including research on the aurora borealis, climate change, and the Arctic environment.

The Alaska Purchase was a controversial decision at the time, but it has proven to be a wise investment for the United States. Alaska has played a vital role in the country's national security and scientific research, and it is likely to continue to do so in the years to come.

7. The Alaska Purchase was a turning point in American history, as it marked the end of the United States' westward expansion and the beginning of its expansion into the Pacific.

The Alaska Purchase had a number of significant impacts on American history. First, it marked the end of the United States' westward expansion. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the Mexican Cession in 1848 had doubled the size of the country, and many Americans believed that there was no more land to be acquired. However, the Alaska Purchase showed that the United States was still interested in expanding its territory, even if it meant acquiring land that was not contiguous to the rest of the country.

Second, the Alaska Purchase marked the beginning of the United States' expansion into the Pacific. The United States had already acquired Hawaii in 1898, and the Alaska Purchase gave the country a strategic foothold in the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. This was important for both economic and military reasons. Economically, Alaska had vast natural resources, including oil, gold, and timber. Military, Alaska could be used as a base to project American power into the Pacific.

The Alaska Purchase also had a number of cultural and environmental impacts. The purchase brought Alaska into the American mainstream and led to the development of its natural resources. However, it also led to the displacement of Alaska's indigenous peoples. The purchase also had a significant impact on the environment, as it opened up Alaska to development and exploitation.

The US $7.2 million check used to pay for Alaska (roughly $151 million in 2022) Signed
March 30, 1867

Conclusion:

The Alaska Purchase is a reminder that the United States has always been a nation of visionaries. Seward and his supporters saw the potential of Alaska, even when others did not. They knew that Alaska was a valuable asset, and they were willing to make a bold investment in the future of the country. The Alaska Purchase was a gamble, but it paid off handsomely. Today, Alaska is a thriving state that is contributing to the economic and strategic power of the United States.