Lesson 59 of 84 ยท Westward Expansion
โญ 30 XPAlaska Purchase: Seward's Folly
The Alaska Purchase, often referred to derisively as 'Seward's Folly,' was the acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.
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The Alaska Purchase, often referred to derisively as 'Seward's Folly,' was the acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million. Initially, the purchase faced significant criticism from various segments of American society who viewed the vast, icy expanse as worthless. However, this acquisition proved to be strategically and economically beneficial, as Alaska was rich in natural resources, including gold, oil, and fish. The purchase also reflected the United States' growing ambition to expand its territory and influence, marking a significant step in the nation's westward expansion and foreign policy.
Key Facts
The Alaska Purchase occurred in 1867 for $7.2 million.
It was initially criticized as 'Seward's Folly.'
Alaska is rich in natural resources, including gold and oil.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2In what year was Alaska purchased from Russia?
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