Why Russia Sold Alaska
The US bought Alaska for $7.2 million
In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States. The need for such a deal was due to political and economic factors.
MK explains why and at what price Russia ceded Alaska to the United States.
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Why did Russia sell Alaska?
Economic reasons
After its defeat in the Crimean War, Russia urgently needed funds to fill its budget and implement long-overdue reforms. Previously, Alaska brought in income mainly from the fur trade, but by the mid-19th century, the sea otter and fur seal populations were almost exterminated. As a result, from a financial point of view, the region was in danger of becoming completely subsidized.
Political reasons
Russia assumed that a new conflict with Britain would inevitably occur soon. And in that case, the British would be able to easily seize Alaska from Canadian territory, where, in addition to the local natives, only 2,500 Russians lived. Therefore, negotiations with the United States were conducted in the spirit of "it is better to sell and get money than to lose everything for free." In addition, Russia saw the United States as a potential ally against British influence.
How much was Alaska sold for?
For a territory of 1,518,800 sq. km (this is 4 times larger than the territory of modern Germany), Russia received it for $7.2 million (~$150 million in 2025).
There is a popular myth that Alaska was leased for 99 years and then never returned to the United States.
This is one of the most persistent rumors surrounding Russian America, but in reality there was no lease. The 1867 agreement was a full-fledged contract of sale and purchase, and there were no terms of return. The myth probably arose from confusion with Hong Kong, which Britain actually leased from China for 99 years.
Authors:
mk.ru
