Klondike gold rush 1890s

oil and gas

…

William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson, was instrumental in the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. His motivations for acquiring Alaska were driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and ideological factors.

Reasons Why Seward Wanted Alaska

1. Strategic Expansion and Manifest Destiny

• Belief in Manifest Destiny: Seward was a strong proponent of American expansionism. He believed in the concept of Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent.

• Strategic Location: Alaska’s position offered significant strategic advantages. Seward foresaw that controlling Alaska would enhance America’s ability to project power and influence in the Pacific Rim and Asia, particularly with emerging markets like China and Japan.

2. Economic Potential

• Natural Resources: Although not fully explored at the time, Seward anticipated that Alaska possessed vast natural resources. These included:

• Fisheries: Rich fishing grounds that could bolster the American fishing industry.

• Timber and Minerals: Extensive forests and potential mineral wealth, including fur, coal, and later discovered gold and oil.

• Investment Opportunity: Seward saw Alaska as a long-term investment that could pay off economically as the territory was developed.

3. Preventing Foreign Influence

• Reducing Russian Presence: Purchasing Alaska eliminated the Russian presence from North America, reducing the risk of future conflicts over territory.

• Countering British Expansion: By acquiring Alaska, the U.S. prevented British-controlled Canada from surrounding the United States to the north and west, thereby limiting British influence on the continent.

4. Strengthening National Security

• Military Advantage: Control over Alaska would provide strategic military positioning, including naval bases that could be crucial in future conflicts.

• Buffer Zone: Alaska served as a buffer between the U.S. and potential adversaries across the Pacific, enhancing national security.

Overcoming Opposition

• Public Skepticism: Many contemporaries mocked the purchase as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox”, seeing Alaska as a barren and frozen wasteland.

• Seward’s Persistence: Despite criticism, Seward remained convinced of Alaska’s value, successfully persuading Congress to approve the purchase for $7.2 million, roughly 2 cents per acre.

Long-Term Outcomes

• Economic Benefits: Seward’s vision proved foresighted with the later discoveries of:

• Gold: Sparking the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s.

• Oil and Gas: Alaska became a significant source of petroleum, contributing to U.S. energy supplies.

• Strategic Importance: Alaska’s location has been vital for:

• Military Operations: Especially during World War II and the Cold War, given its proximity to Russia.

• Global Trade Routes: Facilitating maritime navigation and trade across the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.

• Environmental and Cultural Richness: Alaska’s diverse ecosystems and indigenous cultures have become integral parts of America’s heritage.

Conclusion

William H. Seward’s desire to acquire Alaska was driven by a strategic vision for America’s expansion and prosperity. He recognized the potential economic resources, strategic advantages, and the importance of limiting foreign influence on the continent. Despite initial opposition and skepticism, the Alaska Purchase has been historically vindicated as a significant and beneficial acquisition for the United States.