- The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire on October 18, 1867, for $7.2 million (about $120 million in today's dollars).
- The purchase was proposed by U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, and was supported by President Andrew Johnson.
- Alaska was known to have abundant natural resources, including furs, timber, and gold, which made it a valuable addition to the United States.
- The purchase was largely supported by the American people, who saw it as an opportunity to expand the country's territory and its influence in the North Pacific region.
- Despite its large size, Alaska had a relatively small population at the time of its purchase, with just over 30,000 inhabitants, mostly indigenous peoples.
Facts about the purchase of Hawaii:
- Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898, following a joint resolution passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President William McKinley.
- The annexation came after a period of increasing American influence and presence in Hawaii, including the establishment of a naval base at Pearl Harbor in 1887.
- The annexation was driven by a number of factors, including the strategic importance of Hawaii's location in the Pacific Ocean, the desire to expand American territory, and the economic potential of the islands.
- Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900 and was granted statehood in 1959.
- The annexation of Hawaii was a controversial issue at the time, with opposition from some who argued that it was an act of imperialism.