What year did the United States acquire Alaska from Russia? 🔊
The United States acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867. The transaction, known as "Seward's Folly" after Secretary of State William H. Seward, cost the U.S. $7.2 million. At the time, many criticized the purchase, seeing it as a waste of resources for a sparsely populated region. However, Alaska later proved to be rich in natural resources, including oil, gold, and fish, significantly contributing to the U.S. economy. The acquisition was a strategic move that expanded U.S. territory and influence in the Arctic region, and it is now recognized as a significant step in American history.
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