The Purchase of Alaska
The Russian Empire tried to gain a foothold in America during the 18th century, but after defeated in the Crimean War, Russia no longer had the money to support its colonies in Alaska. Russia preferred the territory go to the United States instead than Great Britain, but the Civil War kept American attention far away from Alaska. After the Civil War, Secretary of State, William Seward, quickly pursued the Russian offer. On March 30, 1867, Seward and Russian Stoecki signed the treaty for the U.S. purchase of Alaska. The United States paid $7.2 million, about two cents per acre, for the large territory. At first, this event was known as “Seward’s Folly,” but the purchase soon became a good thing and proved very helpful to the U.S. (gold mines). Many people said that it was a good choice for the U.S.