The Purchase of Alaska, "Seward's Folly"

What was the primary reason the US purchased Alaska from Russia?

to expand US territory and prevent British expansion

Why was the Purchase of Alaska initially referred to as Seward’s Folly?

Because it was seen as a waste of money for barren land

What was the primary reason the US purchased Alaska from Russia?

to expand US territory and prevent British expansion

Why was the Purchase of Alaska initially referred to as Seward’s Folly?

Because it was seen as a waste of money for barren land

How did the indigenous populations of Alaska initially respond to Russian colonization?

They resisted through battles and negotiations.

What was a significant consequence of the Russian colonization of Alaska for the Aleut population?

They suffered massive population decline due to disease.

What role did the Russian-American Company play in Alaska?

It was a trading monopoly

Why did Russia decide to sell Alaska to the United States?

All of the above:

1) They needed funds after the Crimean War

2) They wanted to strengthen ties with the US

3) They feared losing it to Britain

What was the reaction of the US Congress to the Purchase of Alaska?

They were hesitant and debated the appropriation of funds.

How did the discovery of gold impact Alaska?

All of the above:

1) It led to a population boom

2) It caused environmental degradation

3) It resulted in conflicts with indigenous people

What was the strategic importance of Alaska during the Cold War?

It was a location for military bases due to its proximity to Russia.

What was one of the main reasons for the decline in the sea otter population in Alaska?

Overhunting by Russian colonists

How did the US benefit from the Purchase of Alaska in terms of natural resources?

All of the above:

1) Access to vast oil reserves

2) Rich fishing grounds

3) Abundant mineral resources

What was the role of William Seward in the Purchase of Alaska?

He was the US Secretary of State who negotiated the Purchase.

What was the significance of the Bering Land Bridge?

It connected Alaska to Russia during the last Ice Age.

What was a major concern for Russia regarding the sale of Alaska?

That it would be taken by Britain

How did the indigenous people of Alaska adapt to their environment?

By becoming skilled hunters and navigators

What was the impact of the Crimean War on Russia’s decision to sell Alaska?

It depleted Russia’s resources, making Alaska less valuable.

What was the significance of the Trans-Alaskan pipeline?

It facilitated the transport of oil across Alaska.

What was a major factor in the US’s interest in purchasing Alaska?

All of the above:

1) The potential for gold and other resources

2) The desire to expand the US territory

3) The strategic location near Russia

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

It was responsible for colonizing and exploiting resources.

How did the US justify the purchase of Alaska despite its financial constraints?

By emphasizing its strategic and resource potential.

What was the popular myth surrounding the purchase of Alaska?

It was called Sewards Folly

How much did the US pay for Alaska?

$7.2 million

Who was the US Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska?

William Seward

What was the primary reason Russia wanted to sell Alaska?

It was no longer profitable due to declining fur trade.

What percentage of Alaska’s land area remains federally owned today?

More than 50%

What was the Bering Land Bridge?

An ancient land connection between Asia and North America.

When did Alaska officially become a US State?

1959

What was the initial reaction of the American public to the purchase of Alaska?

General enthusiasm

What natural resource discovery in the 20th century transformed Alaska’ s economy?

Oil

Who were the promyshlenniki?

Russian fur trappers and merchants

What was the Russian-American Company?

A fur trading monopoly in Russian America.

How did the purchase of Alaska affect US relatons with Canada?

It increased tensions and fears of US expansion.

What was the primary criticism of the Alaska purchase in Congress?

Concern over the high cost.

What role did Alaska play during World War II?

It served as a staging area for troops.

What was the impact of the gold rushes on Alaska’s population?

It doubled the population between 1890 and 1900.

How did the US government initially govern Alaska after its purchase?

It was placed under military control.

What was the significance of the Trans-Alaskan pipeline?

It allowed for large-scale oil extraction and export.

How did the purchase of Alaska affect Native Alaskan populations?

They faced increased marginalization and loss of land.

What was the ‘Last Glacial Maximum’?

The period when sea levels were at their lowest.

How did Alaska’s status change in 1912?

It was granted territorial status with its own legislature.