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Lesson 59 of 84 ยท Westward Expansion

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Alaska Purchase: Seward's Folly

๐ŸŒMission Brief #59

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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Then & Now

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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

1

The Alaska Purchase occurred in 1867 for $7.2 million.

2

It was initially criticized as 'Seward's Folly.'

3

Alaska is rich in natural resources, including gold and oil.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

In what year was Alaska purchased from Russia?

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Alaska Purchase: Seward's Folly โ€” Westward Expansion | 8th Grade Social Studies | LittleActivity | LittleActivity