Surprising facts on how Russia Sold Alaska to America.
Alaska is the 49th state of the United States and it’s the largest and one of the richest states in America,
America Won Without Any War on Russia
In the current geographical and political conditions, this is unimaginable not only in reality but also in a dream! But this incident took place exactly 155 years ago, the time when Russia and America are facing each other.
Russia sold a piece of land in October 1867… the land bought by America is today’s 49th state of America, Alaska!
Today this land is the gold mine of America in terms of natural resources, geographically and strategically
Know some history about Aleska
In the early days of the eighteenth century, the Russian Empire extended to North America. That’s Alaska! This region of snow, thick forests and mountains was not considered livable. As a result, only a very small number (about 800) of Russians lived here. Moreover, it is far from the capital of Russia, St. Petersburg!
The Crimean War of 1853-1856 cost Russia Alaska. Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Crimea were part of the Ottoman Empire at that time. The Crimean War led to Russia stepping in to protect the Christians in these areas under the rule of the Muslim emperor. Britain and France supported the Ottoman Empire in that war with the intention of reducing the Russian naval force in the Black Sea. Russia was badly damaged in the war with the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). In addition to losing 12 thousand people, it is in financial trouble. Stuck in debt. With this, the Tsar of Russia, Alexander-II, decided to sell Alaska.
At that time America also disliked the British Empire. Russia believed America is better than his enemy Britain and wanted to sell Alaska to America. A Russian team went to Alaska and did a survey… and estimated its cost at one hundred thousand dollars.
In 1859 Alaska was put up for sale. America didn’t like it that much. The reason…Alaska was not worth much, but America was in the midst of the Civil War at that time. Death of US President Abraham Lincoln in April 1865; With the end of the Civil War, negotiations between the two countries over Alaska began again.
An agreement was reached between the then US Secretary of State William Seward and the Russian Minister Edward Stoeckel for 7.2 million dollars. Signed by US President Andrew Johnson and ratified by the Senate
On October 18, 1867, Alaska passed from Russia to the United States.
Russia sold 586,412 square miles (about 14,77,10259 Hectare) of land for just 7.2 million dollars (about 5 cents an hectare).
Even if it was bought at such a low price, at that time everyone in America was talking about it as a foolish agreement.
Golden hill
Russia did not know the value hidden in Alaska at the time… neither did America who bought it. America for nearly 30 years after the purchase Ignore Alaska. Civil government was not established. Civil government was formed for the first time in 1884. Mining laws came into force.
In 1896, it was discovered that there were huge deposits of gold, oil and other minerals
.It became the most important geographically and strategically important area during the Second World War. America has become the center of influence in the Asia-Pacific.
On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States.
Travel Alaska
If you want to visit inspiring places and do some adventure activities take a time to travel Alaska and make a memorable experience.
Some more interesting facts about Alaska
- Alaska is known for its wide-open spaces, numerous outdoor adventures, and Alaskan Native culture.
- There is no income tax here. in fact, government gives some amount annually to the residents of their state
- Alaska’s coastline is larger than the Atlantic coastline.
- Alaska is one of the coldest states in America and is almost snowy.
- July is the season hottest month of the summer.
- Two time zones, more than 3 thousand rivers… 3 million lakes,
- One lakh glacier, more than 100 volcanoes.
- It is the largest state in America by area. One of the richest states.
- The second largest crude oil producing state in America. It produces 670555 barrels of crude oil per day.
- Area wises its twice as Sweden
- Aleska is most expensive state for living. It is 24.09% higher than the national average
