The United States had long desired Alaska, envisioning it as a source of valuable resources and a strategic location for military purposes. However, the Russian government was initially hesitant to sell the territory. Negotiations began in earnest in 1867 when William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson, initiated discussions with Russian officials.
The Alaska Purchase Treaty
After more than a year of negotiations, the United States and Russia reached an agreement. On March 30, 1867, the two nations signed the Alaska Purchase Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Cession. The treaty stipulated that the United States would pay Russia $7,200,000 in gold for the transfer of Alaska. This amounted to approximately two cents per acre or $0.02 per acre.
Debate and Approval
The Alaska Purchase drew mixed reactions in the United States. Some people, like President Johnson, Secretary Seward, and other politicians, were enthusiastic about the acquisition. They saw Alaska as a vast, resource-rich territory that would greatly benefit the United States.
Others criticized the purchase, arguing that it was an unnecessary expense and that the land was worthless and uninhabitable. Many referred to it as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," mocking Secretary Seward's advocacy for the acquisition.
Despite these criticisms, the U.S. Senate ultimately ratified the Alaska Purchase Treaty on April 9, 1867, with a vote of 37 to 2. President Johnson then officially proclaimed the transfer of Alaska to the United States on October 18, 1867, when the American flag was raised in Sitka (then called New Archangel).
Significance
The Alaska Purchase has been viewed by many historians as a wise investment by the United States. Alaska turned out to be far more valuable than initially anticipated. It possesses abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, timber, and fisheries, which have contributed significantly to the U.S. economy. Additionally, Alaska's strategic location has played a crucial role in military and geopolitical affairs.
Although the purchase was initially controversial, the vast majority of Americans eventually came to appreciate the benefits it brought to the nation. Alaska has become an integral part of the United States, and its contributions to the country's economy, culture, and identity have made it a valuable asset.