1. Why did the U.S. purchase Alaska from Russia?
A. to increase U.S. trade in Asia and the Pacific
B. for gold rights
C. for fishing rights
D. to maintain a strategic position to fight Russian aggression
D. to maintain a strategic position to fight Russian aggression
The U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for multiple reasons, including:
1. To increase U.S. trade in Asia and the Pacific: One of the main reasons was to expand American commercial interests into the Pacific region. By acquiring Alaska, the U.S. gained access to valuable natural resources and opened up new trading routes.
2. For fishing rights: Alaska is known for its abundance of fish and other marine resources. Acquiring Alaska allowed the U.S. to control and exploit these resources, benefiting the American fishing industry.
3. To maintain a strategic position to fight Russian aggression: At the time of the purchase in 1867, Russia was the dominant power in the region. By acquiring Alaska, the U.S. established a strategic presence in the Pacific, preventing other nations, particularly Russia, from establishing military bases or expanding their influence in the area.
Gold rights, while not the primary motivation for the purchase, did play a role in the negotiations. However, it was not the sole reason for the purchase of Alaska.