On this day in history the U.S. Senate ratified the treaty to purchase Alaska

On April 9, 1867. a deeply divided U.S. Senate passed the Alaska purchase by a single vote. The Senate ratified the treaty with Russia for the purchase of Alaska.

The Alaska Purchase: A Landmark Deal in American History

The Alaska Purchase, also known as "Seward's Folly," is a significant event in American history that saw the United States acquire a vast territory from Russia. This transaction, which occurred in 1867, dramatically reshaped the geographical and political landscape of North America. Though initially met with skepticism and ridicule, the purchase has since been recognized as a masterstroke of American diplomacy and expansionism.

Background and Negotiations

By the mid-19th century, Russia had established a presence in North America, primarily through fur trading outposts in what is now Alaska. However, the Crimean War (1853-1856) had drained Russia's resources, and the empire found maintaining its distant Alaskan territories increasingly burdensome. Additionally, the Russian government feared losing Alaska to Britain should another conflict arise, as British forces were stationed just across the Bering Strait in present-day Canada. Consequently, Russia sought to sell the territory to the United States, a nation perceived as a less threatening neighbor.

The idea of purchasing Alaska first surfaced in the early 1860s, but it was not until 1867 that serious negotiations took place. U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, an ardent expansionist, spearheaded the American side of the discussions. Seward believed that acquiring Alaska would bolster the United States' strategic position in the Pacific and pave the way for further economic opportunities.

Russian Minister to the United States, Edouard de Stoeckl, represented the Russian Empire in the negotiations. Both parties swiftly reached an agreement, and on March 30, 1867, they signed the Treaty of Cession. The terms stipulated that the United States would purchase Alaska for $7.2 million, a sum equivalent to roughly two cents per acre.

Ratification and Public Reaction

For the treaty to take effect, it required ratification by the United States Senate. On April 9, 1867, the Senate narrowly approved the treaty by a single vote. Despite the successful ratification, the purchase was met with considerable public skepticism and derision. Critics dubbed the deal "Seward's Folly" and "Seward's Icebox," mocking the acquisition of what they perceived as a barren, frozen wasteland.

However, Seward and his supporters remained steadfast in their belief that Alaska would prove to be a valuable addition to the United States. They argued that the territory's vast natural resources and strategic location would ultimately vindicate the purchase.

Transfer of Territory and Initial Developments

On October 18, 1867, the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place in Sitka, the territory's capital. Russian soldiers lowered their flag, and the American flag was raised in its place, symbolizing the peaceful handover of power.

Initially, Alaska's development was slow, and the territory's potential was not immediately realized. The harsh climate and remote location deterred settlement, and the U.S. government paid little attention to its newest acquisition. It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Alaska's true value began to emerge.

The Klondike Gold Rush and Economic Boom

The discovery of gold in the Klondike region of the Yukon in 1896 sparked a frenzied rush of prospectors and settlers to Alaska. This event, known as the Klondike Gold Rush, brought tens of thousands of people to the territory, eager to seek their fortunes. The influx of population and capital spurred economic development and infrastructural improvements, including the construction of railroads and ports.

In addition to gold, Alaska's abundant natural resources, such as timber, fish, and later oil, contributed to its economic growth. The territory's rich reserves of oil, discovered in the mid-20th century, have since become a cornerstone of both the Alaskan and American economies.

Strategic Importance in the 20th Century

Alaska's strategic significance became increasingly apparent during the 20th century. During World War II, the territory served as a crucial base for American military operations in the Pacific. The construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 facilitated the movement of troops and supplies, further cementing Alaska's role in national defense.

The Cold War era also underscored Alaska's importance as a buffer against potential Soviet aggression. Its proximity to Russia made it a vital location for military installations and early warning systems.

Statehood and Legacy

On January 3, 1959, Alaska was formally admitted as the 49th state of the United States. This milestone marked the culmination of nearly a century of growth and development since the territory's purchase. Today, Alaska is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

The Alaska Purchase, once ridiculed as a folly, is now widely regarded as a visionary act of American diplomacy. The acquisition not only expanded the nation's territory but also unlocked a wealth of natural resources and strategic advantages. It stands as a testament to the foresight and perseverance of those who recognized Alaska's potential and worked to make it an integral part of the United States.

Seward also was in negotiations to buy Greenland; but the controversy around the Alaska purchase effectively shut down those efforts once they were exposed by the media.

In conclusion, the Alaska Purchase is a landmark event that reshaped the American landscape. From its contentious beginnings to its eventual recognition as a valuable asset, the acquisition of Alaska highlights the complexity and impact of territorial expansion in American history.