Purchase of ALASKA from Russia by USA
(What USA Gained and Why Russians Repent)
Thread
On 30 Mar 1867, US Secy of State, William H. Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 mn (Equals $113 mn today; much less than cost of a Boeing 777 which is $320.2 mn).
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(What USA Gained and Why Russians Repent)
Thread
On 30 Mar 1867, US Secy of State, William H. Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 mn (Equals $113 mn today; much less than cost of a Boeing 777 which is $320.2 mn).
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With a stroke of pen, Tsar Alexander II ceded Alaska, his country’s last remaining foothold in North America, to USA.
Although, there were and still are many who justified his action. The circumstances of 19th century prompted him to take such step. In US, critics thought...
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Although, there were and still are many who justified his action. The circumstances of 19th century prompted him to take such step. In US, critics thought...
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... Seward was crazy and called the deal "Seward's folly." Seward was laughed at for his willingness to spend much on an ‘icebox’.
US Senate however ratified the treaty that approved the purchase by just ONE VOTE.
Ultimately, buying Alaska proved to be a very good move.
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US Senate however ratified the treaty that approved the purchase by just ONE VOTE.
Ultimately, buying Alaska proved to be a very good move.
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Alaska’s addition increased the size of USA by nearly 20 %. Today Alaska is one of the richest US states thanks to its abundance of natural resources, such as petroleum, gold, fish, and tourism as well as its strategic location as a window on Russia and gateway to the Arctic.
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In Alaska, the Americans foresaw more trade with China and Japan. US was worried that UK might try to establish a presence in the territory, and the acquisition of Alaska – it was believed – would help the USA become a Pacific power.
Few regard the transaction as a ...
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Few regard the transaction as a ...
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... short-sighted blunder by Russia.
Some historical records say that Russia had knocked on the UK door before selling Alaska to America which was rejected by them. If so, not only Russia but many other countries also repent their decision today.
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Some historical records say that Russia had knocked on the UK door before selling Alaska to America which was rejected by them. If so, not only Russia but many other countries also repent their decision today.
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In 1946, Alaskans approved statehood and adopted a constitution in 1955. On 3 Jan 1959, President Eisenhower announced Alaska's entrance into the Union as the 49th state.
#USA @camericanist @USHouseHistory #Alaska #Archives
#HistoryMatters
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#USA @camericanist @USHouseHistory #Alaska #Archives
#HistoryMatters
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