Is Alaska a Part of the USA and Not Russia?

Alaska's history is rich and complex, evolving from its beginnings as part of the Russian Empire to its current status as the 51st state of the United States. Here, we explore the historical facts that solidify Alaska's association with the United States and clarify its separation from Russia.

Introduction to Alaska's History

Alaska, a vast and sparsely populated region in northern North America, has a long and storied history. For many centuries, it was considered part of the Russian Empire. However, in 1867, the Russian Empire made a deal that would change the region's trajectory forever. The territory was sold to the United States for a mere $7.2 million, or approximately 2 cents an acre.

The Purchase of Alaska

The purchase of Alaska, also known as the "Alaska Purchase," was a significant transaction in U.S. history. The Treaty of cession was signed on March 30, 1867, between the United States and Russia. The exchange was finalized on October 18, 1867, bringing the territory officially into U.S. possession.

The Controversial Purchase and Its Impact

At the time, the purchase was met with considerable criticism in the United States. It was often referred to as "Seward's Folly," after Secretary of State William Seward, who negotiated the deal. Critics questioned the value of the land, which was sparsely populated and considered inhospitable. However, the purchase turned out to be a prescient decision, as Alaska proved to be rich in natural resources, including oil, gold, and various minerals.

Integration into the United States

Upon acquiring Alaska, the United States recognized the political and geographic connection of the territory to the North American continent. However, it took another 92 years until Alaska officially became the 51st state of the United States. This happened on January 3, 1959, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower accepted Alaska into the Union. Alaska's statehood was a testament to the territory's cultural and geographic integration into the United States.

Conclusion

Alaska has always had a unique place in the geopolitical landscape of North America. While it was politically part of the Russian Empire for centuries, its historic and cultural ties to the North American continent were always undeniable. The purchase in 1867 and its subsequent statehood in 1959 solidified Alaska's place as an integral part of the United States, separate from its former Russian ownership.