The Alaska Purchase: A Historic U.S. Expansion
The Alaska Purchase happened
on October 18, 1867, when the United States bought Alaska from Russia. Russia
had come to North America in the 1700s, but not many Russians lived in Alaska.
After the Crimean War, Tsar Alexander II of Russia thought about selling Alaska
to avoid losing it to the United Kingdom. After the American Civil War, US
diplomat William Seward negotiated with Russian representative Eduard de
Stoeckl to buy Alaska. On March 30, 1867, 155 years ago, Russia handed the vast
territory of Alaska over to the United States after they agreed on a deal for$7.2 million, which was about 2 cents per acre. In today’s money, that’s around
$129 million in 2023.
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Image Credit: Getarchive.net, Alaska Purchase |
Most Americans were pleased
with the purchase, believing it would improve trade with Asia. However, some
people criticized it as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s
Icebox.” After the purchase, Russians left Alaska, and the area had few
people until the Klondike Gold Rush (Alaska Gold Rush) in 1896. Fifty years
after the sale, Alaska’s gold rush created over $1 billion in new wealth for
the U.S. Its abundant timber, salmon, and petroleum also proved lucrative.
Alaska’s strategic importance further increased during the Cold War, becoming a
vital asset for the U.S. military.
Alaska was first known as the Department of Alaska, then the District of
Alaska in 1884, and became the Alaska Territory in 1912. Finally, on January 3,
1959, it became the State of Alaska.
💻 Table of Contents:
- The Bering Land Bridge and Early Alaskan Settlements
- Alaska’s Fur Trade: A History
of Conflict and Decline - Russian-American Company: Trade and Administration in Alaska
- Russian Occupation, Development and Conflict on Alaska
- The Alaska Purchase: Motives
behind Russia’s Sale to the United States - The Varied Reactions to the Alaska Purchase
- The Departure of Russian Citizens from Post-Transfer Alaska
- The Sale of Alaska: Rivalries and Strategic Decisions
- Alaska: Land of Vast Resources and Natural Beauty
The Bering Land Bridge and
Early Alaskan Settlements:
Approximately 40,000 to 5,000
years ago, the Bering Land Bridge (Beringia) connected Asia and America,
enabling the migration of animals and early human settlements to Alaska. Human
settlements were established in Alaska around 5,000 to potentially more than
30,000 years ago.
The Bering Strait, a narrow
body of water, separates as the natural boundary between Russia and the United
States. This important Strait is named after Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer
who served the Russian Empire. In 1648, Russian explorer Semyon Dezhnev
discovered the narrow waterway separating Eurasia from America, known as the
Bering Strait. In 1725, Czar Peter the Great sent Vitus Bering to explore and
claim territory for Russia.
In 1741, Bering’s voyage
marked the first European presence in Alaska. Following his expedition, Alaska
became a point of interest for other European nations, with Spain and Great
Britain sending their ships to its coasts. However, it was the Russians who
made the claim, asserting, “This land belongs to us!” Alaska became
as an important center sector for Russian fur traders and sea animals’
businessmen.
Alaska’s Fur Trade: A History
of Conflict and Decline
The fur trade was a major
historical industry in North America, where Europeans traded with Indigenous
peoples to obtain valuable animal furs from the 1500s to 1800s. When the
Russians arrived in the mid-1600s, they started commercial fur trading. China
became a major market for these furs because Chinese aristocrats loved the
luxurious and waterproof fur garments. By the late 1700s, Americans and British
traders were also competing for these furs. In 1821, Tsar Alexander I of Russia
tried to keep American and British ships away from Russian-controlled coasts,
but this led to a new treaty in 1824 allowing all three countries to trade in
Alaska.
However, the Russians also
exploited Native labor, forcing Unangan hunters to collect furs and holding
them as hostages. Russian traders also brought diseases like smallpox and
tuberculosis, which devastated Native populations. The fur trade eventually
declined because fur-bearing animals became scarce and shifting of international fashion trends.
Notably, in 2021, Israel
became the first country to ban the sale of real fur. In the United States,
California was the first state to ban fur sales in 2019, with the law starting
in January 2023. Several cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco also have
fur bans. So far, 16 towns and cities in the U.S. have banned fur sales, and
more are considering it.
Russian-American Company:
Trade and Administration in Alaska
Russian explorers and traders
established settlements in Alaska, with Aleksei Chirikov reaching Southeast
Alaska in 1741. The name “Alaska” is believed to originate from the
Aleut natives’ term “Alyaska” or “Alyeska”, meaning
“Great Land.” Russian settlements grew, and a fur trading company was
established by Grigori Shelikov in 1781. Alexander Baranof managed
Russian-Alaska trading operations, and the Russian Orthodox Church was
established on Kodiak Island in 1795.
During the transfer of Alaska
from Russia to the United States in 1867, the population of Russians in Alaska
was relatively small. The total Russian population in Alaska during this period
was estimated to be around 800 individuals. However, it’s important to note
that the majority of the population in Alaska during that time consisted of
indigenous Alaskan peoples, not Russians. The indigenous population of Alaska
was estimated to be around 29,000-35,000 people.
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Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Map of Alaska |
In 1799, Czar Paul I gave
exclusive rights to the Russian-American Company to run Alaska’s business and
administration. The Russian-American Company was founded and sponsored by the
Russian government, with the backing of the Russian tsars.
The company’s operations in
Alaska involved interactions with indigenous peoples and, to some extent, with
American and European traders in the region. Sitka became the capital of the
Alaska colony under Alexander Baranof’s leadership.
Russian Occupation,
Development and Conflict on Alaska:
During the Russian occupation
of Alaska, significant events shaped the region’s history. Battles between
Russians and indigenous tribes in Sitka erupted in 1802, marking early
conflicts in the area. In 1821, the Russian-American Company took control of
trade and waters in Alaska. Over the next 20 years, Russian explorers went into
mainland Alaska, going as far north as the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers. The Alaska-Canada boundary was originally established in February 1825 through an agreement between Russia (then owner of Alaska) and Great Britain, the owner of Canada at the time.
The year 1840 witnessed the
establishment of the Russian Orthodox Diocese for Alaska, introducing Russian
church service in Alaska Native languages. Additionally, the Russians
established missionary schools and churches, leaving a lasting cultural influence
on the indigenous population. In 1841, Edward de Stoeckl, who was assigned to the secretariat of the Russian legation in the US, was best known today for having negotiated the American purchase of Alaska on behalf of the Russian government.
Alaska is the U.S. state
closest to Russia, with the Bering Strait in the Pacific Ocean marking the
nearest geographic point. The Diomedes Islands, including Russia’s Big Diomede
Island and Alaska’s Little Diomede Island, are less than 3 miles apart. In
winter, it’s possible to walk across the frozen Bering Strait between these
islands. Alaska is a significant gateway for flights between the Russian Far
East and the United States, and the University of Alaska has a substantial
number of Russian students. However, it’s important to note that crossing from
Alaska to Russia is legally restricted without prior authorized access.
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The Alaska Purchase: Motives
behind Russia’s Sale to the United States
Russian control in Alaska was
not without challenges. There were conflicts with indigenous Alaskan groups,
notably the Tlingit people, who resisted Russian presence. Russian settlers
faced geographical isolation, harsh climates, and supply difficulties. The sale
of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867, known as the Alaska
Purchase, remains a captivating chapter in the history of both nations. While
the transaction has often been viewed as a controversial decision, it is
essential to delve into the underlying factors and motives that led Russia to
sell this vast territory.
The purchase of Alaska in
1867 ended Russia’s efforts to expand in North America. It was a big step for
the United States to become powerful in the Asia-Pacific area. In 1859, Russia
offered to sell Alaska to the United States to prevent Britain from getting it.
The U.S. Civil War delayed the sale, but after the war, Secretary of State
William Seward accepted the offer in 1867. The U.S. Senate approved the deal on April 9, and President Andrew Johnson signed it on May 28. On October 18, 1867,
Alaska officially became part of the United States. This purchase ended
Russia’s presence in North America and secured the U.S. The primary reasons for
Russia’s decision to sell Alaska to the United States were as follows:
Economic Considerations:
One of the primary
motivations for Russia to sell Alaska was economic. By the mid-19th century,
the fur trade in Alaska had significantly declined due to overhunting and
diminishing fur populations. As a result, the Russian-American Company faced
financial difficulties in sustaining profitable operations in the region.
Selling Alaska to the United States for a substantial sum of $7.2 million
provided Russia with a much-needed infusion of funds.
Geopolitical Concerns:
Russia’s decision to sell
Alaska was also influenced by geopolitical considerations. The Russian Empire
feared that the territory was vulnerable to foreign encroachment. With British
expansion in the Pacific Northwest and the possibility of other European powers
gaining a foothold in the region, Russia sought to secure the future of Alaska
by transferring it to a more powerful and closer neighbor. By selling Alaska to
the United States, Russia ensured that the territory would remain outside the
sphere of European influence.
Strategic Military Factors:
The strategic military aspect
was another significant factor in the sale of Alaska. The Russian government
recognized the challenges of defending such a vast and distant territory.
Maintaining military presence in Alaska would have required substantial resources
and logistical support. By transferring Alaska to the United States, Russia
effectively shifted the burden of defense to a country with stronger military
capabilities and a shared interest in preventing foreign incursions into the
region.
Domestic Political
Considerations:
Domestic political dynamics
within Russia also played a role in the decision to sell Alaska. Tsar Alexander
II, who reigned during the sale, faced multiple challenges at home, including
economic reforms and social unrest. The sale of Alaska provided a means to
alleviate financial strain and divert attention from internal issues, as well
as showcase the tsar’s ability to execute successful diplomatic negotiations.
The Varied Reactions to the
Alaska Purchase:
The reactions to the Alaska
Purchase varied among people and governments in both Russia and the United
States. The Russian government, under Tsar Alexander II, saw the sale as a
pragmatic decision driven by economic and strategic considerations. On the
other hand, The U.S. government recognized the strategic and economic potential
of Alaska.
While some Russians expressed
mixed feelings and occasional regret over the sale, the decision was ultimately
accepted, considering the financial benefits it provided. Initially, Americans
were unsure about buying Alaska—a big, empty place. But as they discovered
gold, oil, and other valuable resources there, they realized its importance.
Their doubts transformed into appreciation for Alaska’s strategic and economic
benefits.
The Departure of Russian
Citizens from Post-Transfer Alaska:
Following the transfer of
Alaska to the United States, some Russian citizens initially chose to stay in
Sitka, the former capital of Russian America. However, it’s important to note
that the majority of them soon made the decision to return to Russia. This
repatriation was made possible through arrangements with the Russian-American
Company, which facilitated their journey back to Russia, covering the
associated expenses. In essence, while a few Russians stayed for a while, the
majority eventually opted to leave and return to their homeland.
The Sale of Alaska: Rivalries
and Strategic Decisions
In the 19th century, Russia
and Great Britain were often in conflict, especially in the Pacific Ocean and
during the Crimean War. As Great Britain and the United States expanded their
influence in North America, Russia felt pressured. With the fur trade
declining, Russia reconsidered the value of its Alaskan territory.
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Image Credit: Flickr.com, Check for the purchase of Alaska |
Russia thought about selling
Alaska but was unsure who to sell it to. Canada was a British colony, and since
Russia and Great Britain were rivals, Russia was hesitant to sell Alaska to
Great Britain. Instead, Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. That
same year, Great Britain created the Dominion of Canada, moving it closer to
becoming an independent nation.
Canada didn’t buy Alaska for
two main reasons. First, Canada wasn’t an independent country in 1867. Second,
Great Britain controlled the Canadian colonies, and Russia didn’t want to sell
Alaska to its rival.
After the U.S. purchased
Alaska, there was a long and bitter dispute with Canada over the exact location
of the Alaskan border. The main issues were the interpretation of treaty terms
and the mapping of the border through rugged and largely uncharted territory.
Eventually, the dispute was settled in 1903, and Alaska’s 1,538-mile border
with Canada was established. Notably, there is no direct border between the
contiguous United States and Alaska.
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Alaska: Land of Vast
Resources and Natural Beauty
According to the 2020 census,
Alaska comprises 665,384 square miles, nearly 86 percent of which is land, with
the remaining 94,743 square miles being water. This means Alaska accounts for
more than 40 percent of the United States’ total water area, with a population
density of 1.10 people per square mile. While Alaska is part of the United
States, it is located over 2,000 miles away from the nearest U.S. state,
Washington with comprised of Approximately 2,670 named islands. Alaska has more
than 3 million lakes, over 12,000 rivers, thousands of streams and creeks, and
an estimated 100,000 glaciers.
In recent years, a
significant mineral deposit known as Pebble Mine (name of a proposed
copper-gold-molybdenum mining project) has been discovered near Bristol Bay in
Alaska. Owned by Northern Dynasty Minerals, this site holds immense riches
including 67 billion pounds of copper, 82 million ounces of gold, and 4 billion
pounds of molybdenum, valued at $345 billion to $500 billion.
Notably, the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) used a pre-emptive veto against the Pebble mine on the
grounds that it poses a potential risk to the salmon population in Bristol Bay.
As a result, the US Supreme Court declined to review Alaska’s challenge against
the EPA’s rejection of the Pebble mine project.
Conclusion:
Despite initial doubts and
criticism, the Alaska Purchase turned out to be a wise investment. Alaska’s
vast natural resources, including oil, gold, and others, are now estimated to
be worth over $500 billion today.
If Alaska had not been sold
to the United States in 1867, it likely would have significantly impacted the
United States’ dominance in the Americas and potentially enabled a greater rise
of socialist and communist movements throughout Latin and Central America,
altering the geopolitical balance of power in the region.
The sale of Alaska from
Russia to the United States in 1867 was driven by a combination of economic,
geopolitical, strategic, and domestic political factors. Russia’s desire to
obtain financial resources, safeguard the territory from potential foreign
threats, and reduce the burden of defending such a remote region all factored
into the decision.
Russian citizens left Alaska,
but the sale’s benefits became evident over time. The Alaska Purchase was a
multifaceted decision that ultimately reshaped the destiny of Alaska and
demonstrated the complex interplay of interests and motivations in
international agreements.
