‘Alaska Purchase’ took place in 1867
The US bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 under a historic deal. It is known as ‘Alaska Purchase’ or ‘Sepid’s Folly’ (stupidity of sewer, ‘sewards Foli’. Russia made Alaska its colony in the 18th century. By the middle of the 19th century, Russia had control over Alaska. But it was costing to maintain Alaska with Russia. Russia was ready to sell it due to the harsh climate, lack of resources and administrative difficulties. At that time, Russia was facing financial crisis after the Crimean War (1853–1856).
How much did this deal
The then US Secretary of External Affairs, William H. Seward, started a conversation with Russia. Russia offered to sell Alaska for $ 72 million. That is, at that time America had about two cents per acre of land. The treaty between the two countries was signed on 30 March 1867. At that time many Americans made fun of the deal and called it ‘Cerends Folly’ or ‘Cerends Icebox’. Because they thought it is barren and useless land. But the sears believed that Alaska would prove to be strategic and economically important in the future.
Juno is the capital of Alaska, the center of narrow streets, museums, bars and art galleries.
The deal proved to be beneficial
Time proved that the deal was very beneficial for America. Gold, oil and other natural resources were later discovered in Alaska. Which made it important economically and strategically. The deal was controversial at that time, but today it is considered a visionary step in American history. On October 18, 1867, a formal transfer of Alaska took place. Which is now celebrated as ‘Alaska Day’.
After selling Alaska to America, Russia has officially expressed the desire or claim to get it back back. At that time Russia considered it a strategic move, and the sale was permanent under the treaty. During the Cold War (1947–1991) there was tension between Russia (then Soviet Union) and America. But the Soviet Union did not make any formal claim to withdraw Alaska. It was important for the US due to Alaska’s strategic position and the Soviet Union avoided making it an inflammatory issue. Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991), Russia did not make any official claim on Alaska.
In recent decades, especially after the 2014 Crimea crisis, some Russian politicians or nationalist groups had raised a light manner or symbolically. For example, in 2014, slogans like ‘Alaska Hamara Hai’ were seen in some Russian social media and nationalist circles, which emerged in response to the merger of Crimea in Russia. However, these statements were mostly publicized or inflammatory. The Russian government never took this seriously forward. Russia’s top leaders, such as President Vladimir Putin, did not adopt any official policy of claiming Alaska.
Juno is situated in the foothills of Mount Juno. According to the 2020 census, the population of the city was 32,255.
No legal basis for withdrawal
The Treaty of 1867 is valid and binding under international law. Russia voluntarily sold Alaska and has no legal basis to withdraw it. Alaska is now an integral part of America. The population, economy and military presence here make it unattractive to Russia. Any such claim of Russia will not be practical besides increasing Bhuragal stress. The focus of Russia’s foreign policy has been on its nearby areas (such as Ukraine, Georgia, or Arctic region). Claiming a remote and well -established American region like Alaska did not remain in Russia’s strategic priorities.
How big is Alaska
The area of Alaska is about 1,723,337 square kilometers (665,384 sq mi). Which makes it the largest state in America. It is so huge that it is bigger than many countries. Alaska is about half of India’s total area (about 3,287,263 square kilometers). No state of India is equal to the area of Alaska. Alaska is much larger than the largest states of India. For example, the area of India, India’s largest state, is about 342,239 square kilometers. Alaska is five times bigger than this. The area of the second largest state Madhya Pradesh is about 308,245 square kilometers. He is also much smaller than Alaska. The area of Alaska is also large, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (about 243,290 square kilometers) of India.
Alaska made America economic and strategically rich in many ways. In 1867, Alaska, who was bought from Russia for just 72 million dollars, was initially called ‘Cerends Folly’. But its price and importance was proved over time. The main reasons here are how Alaska enriched America…
Oil and Natural Gas: In 1968, the huge oil reserves were discovered at Prudhoe Bay on the northern coast of Alaska. Which is the largest oil field in North America. Millions of barrels of oil are extracted daily from here. Transport of oil became easier after the trans-laaska pipeline became transportation. Due to which America earned billions of dollars. Alaska is still an important part of America’s oil production. The reserves of natural gas also make Alaska important in the energy sector.
Strategic importance: The geographical location of Alaska makes it important and strategically important. It is close to Asia and Russia, which gave America a strategic lead in the Pacific region. During the Second World War and Cold War, military bases played an important role in Alaska.
Economic contribution: Alaska’s economy has directly and indirectly benefited the US. For example, Alaska Permanent Fund, which is made from oil revenue, gives dividends every year and is a large fund for investment. Alaska today contributes billions of dollars to the US economy. Resources like oil, minerals, fish and tourism have proved Alaska as ‘gold mine’. Also, its strategic status strengthened America as a global power. The deal is considered one of the most beneficial deals in American history.
