When was alaska purchased?
Updated: July 31, 2024The Context of the Purchase
In the mid-19th century, the Russian Empire faced financial difficulties and geopolitical pressures, prompting it to consider selling its North American territories. The Crimean War had drained Russian resources, and maintaining its remote Alaskan territory became increasingly untenable. The Russian government feared that if a conflict with the United Kingdom or another power were to arise, Alaska could be easily seized. Thus, selling the territory to a friendly nation was seen as a strategic move.
Initial Negotiations
The idea of selling Alaska to the United States was first proposed in the early 1850s. However, it wasn't until the 1860s that serious negotiations began. Russian diplomat Baron Eduard de Stoeckl was tasked with broaching the subject with the American government. Stoeckl found a receptive audience in Secretary of State William H. Seward, an ardent expansionist who believed in "Manifest Destiny"—the idea that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.
The Treaty of Cession
The formal negotiations culminated on March 30, 1867, when the United States and Russia signed the Treaty of Cession. The agreement stipulated that the United States would pay $7.2 million for Alaska, which equates to approximately two cents per acre. The treaty was signed by Secretary of State Seward for the United States and Baron Stoeckl for Russia.
Senate Ratification and Public Opinion
After the treaty was signed, it required ratification by the U.S. Senate. While there was some opposition, notably from those who derisively referred to the purchase as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," the Senate ultimately ratified the treaty on April 9, 1867, by a vote of 37 to 2. Public opinion was mixed; some Americans saw the acquisition as a waste of resources, while others believed it was a wise investment for future expansion.
The Formal Transfer
The physical transfer of Alaska occurred on October 18, 1867. This day is now celebrated in Alaska as "Alaska Day." A formal ceremony was held in Sitka, the capital of Russian America, where Russian soldiers lowered the Russian flag and American soldiers raised the United States flag. This marked the official transfer of sovereignty from Russia to the United States.
Strategic and Economic Importance
While initially many Americans saw Alaska as a frozen wasteland, the territory proved to be of considerable strategic and economic importance. The discovery of gold in the late 19th century triggered the Klondike Gold Rush, attracting thousands of settlers and prospectors. In the 20th century, Alaska's vast natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and fisheries, became crucial to the American economy.
Alaska's Path to Statehood
For nearly a century, Alaska remained a U.S. territory. It wasn't until January 3, 1959, that Alaska was admitted as the 49th state of the Union. Statehood brought federal investment and infrastructure development, further integrating Alaska into the United States.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Alaska is recognized for its stunning natural beauty, rich indigenous cultures, and significant contributions to the U.S. economy and national security. The purchase of Alaska is now seen as a visionary move, a testament to the foresight of leaders like William H. Seward.
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In the mid-19th century, the geopolitical landscape was changing rapidly. The Russian Empire, which had owned Alaska since the late 18th century, found itself in a precarious position. Following the Crimean War, Russia was financially strained and feared losing Alaska to the British in Canada without compensation. Consequently, Russia began looking for a buyer for its North American territory.
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