In what year did the United States purchase Alaska from Russia? 🔊
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, a deal orchestrated by Secretary of State William H. Seward. This acquisition, often referred to as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox" due to initial skepticism about its value, ultimately proved to be strategically advantageous. Alaska's vast natural resources, including oil, gold, and fish, became significant economic assets over time. The purchase expanded U.S. territory significantly and paved the way for further exploration and settlement in the region, enhancing America's geopolitical interests in the Pacific and Arctic areas.
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