The Russian Acquisition of Alaska: Land Rich in History and Still Controversial Today
Many people are familiar with the story of the Alaska Purchase, a significant transaction in American history that occurred in 1867. The United States agreed to pay Russia $7.2 million, or approximately $119 million in 2021 dollars, for a vast swath of land extending from the western coast of North America to the Bering Strait in Russia. However, there is an often overlooked detail in this story: the specific land purchases and their economic (or lack thereof) possibilities, particularly the small rocky islands that might have laid in the open market of gold. This article aims to explore the story of the Alaska Purchase, focusing on the peculiar and sometimes misunderstood parts of the deal.
The Alaska Purchase: A Historical Overview
The U.S. decision to purchase Alaska from Russia was influenced by a number of factors, including the potential for economic gain, strategic military positioning, and the desire to expand territorial boundaries. The idea of expanding into Russian territories was not new to the United States. The sale, officially known as the "Seward’s folly," was criticized by some due to the belief that the United States would receive an overpriced bit of real estate, possibly rich in gold but more likely to be a source of disappointment.
Rocky Islands and Potential Gold Ore
Apart from vast stretches of land, the initial focus was on more economically viable resources such as gold. There was a specific expectation that the new acquisition might possess deposits of gold, a commodity that was highly coveted during the 19th century. While the primary land masses of Alaska did indeed house valuable minerals, it is often overlooked that these opportunities extended to the very edges of the territory, including the Rat Islands, a chain of barren, rocky islands in the Aleutian Islands.
Rat Islands: Less Than Ideal Conditions
The Rat Islands are a series of 11 small islands located approximately 1,500 miles northwest of the Alaskan mainland. These islands, which many argue were at best a useless bit of land, were surveyed and eventually included in President Andrew Johnson's decision to purchase the entire territory. Interestingly, despite the economic potential of gold, which was the “ore” in question, it is still unclear whether deposits existed in the Rat Islands. A lack of weather stations on these islands also highlights the relative barrenness and inhospitability of the land.
Why Russia Sold Alaska: Financial Struggles and Cold War Ties
The decision by Russia to sell Alaska was driven by a combination of economic pressures and political considerations. By the mid-19th century, Russia faced economic challenges at home, including war debts and a general decline in national wealth. Additionally, controlling a vast territory with no immediate economic benefit, such as gold islands, was a logistical and financial burden that Russia could ill-afford. The decision to sell Alaska was thus seen as a way to alleviate some of these pressures and remove the costly territory.
Legacy and Controversy
The Alaska Purchase has been the subject of historical debate. Early on, it was criticized as a foolish juggling of territory. However, over time, the value of this purchase has become more apparent, leading many to argue that it was indeed a "foolish" but wise investment. The economic potential of Alaska, including its gold and the later discovery of oil, has proven to be substantial. The land that once seemed like a barren group of islands has since become an important part of the United States, contributing to its economic and geopolitical landscape.
Conclusion
The story of the Alaska Purchase is a reminder of the complex and often unexpected nature of territorial acquisitions. While the primary land of Alaska might have proved economically fruitful, the manifestation of this deal extended to even the smallest and most inhospitable pieces. The Rat Islands, for instance, became part of a larger strategic vision, even if their value was untested. This episode remains an important chapter in American and Russian history, showcasing the intricate decisions and implications of colonial and territorial expansion.