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Throughout the history of the United States, the government has taken foreign policy measures that have resulted in differences of opinion among the Americans. One of the foreign policy actions that gave rise to disagreements between the Americans was the purchase of Alaska in 1864. This action had repercussions in the United States and other countries and regions, including the world today.
The acquisition of Alaska caused controversy in the United States. Those who sided with William Seward, Secretary of the United States, supported the purchase, while Horace Greely, editor-in-chief of the New York Tribune, led the opposition. Those who promoted the purchase of Alaska said that with the acquisition of Alaska, the United States was able to expand, find valuable resources and become a global power. Alaska proved to be a great deal for the United States because it was rich in minerals, wood and oil. The territory was full of natural resources. This is good for the United States, because it needs a territory capable of producing enough food for its people. It also supplied American ports in the North Pacific Ocean and made it more convenient to expand trade with Asia. The treaty also enlarged the United States by 560,000 square miles, an area more than twice the size of Texas, all for the bargain price of around two cents an acre. Therefore, the purchase of Alaska was mostly positive, since this purchase not just ended the Russian’s presence in North America but also ensured US access to the Pacific Ocean for better trading and resources for the US economy. However, there were also some who objected to this purchase. They argued that the acquisition was unnecessary. They argued that the US had acquired useless land, since the geography of the territory was not advantageous for planting. In addition, Alaska was too far north to permit substantial agriculture and, consequently, an unfavorable place to send large numbers of settlers. Some positive impacts were providing useful resources for the country and expansion of the nation. The purchase also affects Russia simultaneously. If Russia didn’t sell Alaska, there will be wars between America and Russia during the Manifest Destiny, since America is really into expansion during this time. If Russia had not sold Alaska, the Russian economy could have been stabilized because of Alaska's natural resources. During the purchase of Alaska, many people opposed this purchase, they thought that this would bring ruin to America, since seven million dollars was quite the fortune back in the 19th century. Alaska also led to the gold rush, where all countries are eager to earn gold even owning land. If America did not make the purchase, America would be one of these countries, which would like to begin the war with Russia for the gold race. Which means more lives would be removed from wars, property would be damaged, and economic ruins from all over the world.
This purchase has great significance for the history of the United States. Things would be different if Russia didn't sell Alaska to the US. If Russia has not sold Alaska to the US, Alaska will no longer be the 49th state in the US. The United States economy would be different as well. Because of the purchase of Alaska, the United States became wealthier, more powerful, and more resourceful. While controversy prevailed throughout the decision-making process, the outcome was extremely important to the United States. By and large, the decision of the United States was correct.
In summary, the purchase of Alaska in 1864 led to differences of opinion among Americans. Nevertheless, the entire decision-making process was constitutional. This purchase also affected the US and other countries. This event is also the most important event in the history of the United States.
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