A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which event was pivotal in the US acquisition of Alaska?

1. The purchase from Russia for $7.2 million

2. The purchase from Canada for $5 million

3. The annexation by a treaty with Great Britain

4. The acquisition through military force

The correct answer is: The purchase from Russia for $7.2 million

The pivotal event in the US acquisition of Alaska was the purchase from Russia for $7.2 million. This transaction, negotiated by Secretary of State William H. Seward in 1867, marked a significant expansion of United States territory. The purchase is often viewed as a strategic move, as Alaska was rich in resources and presented opportunities for settlement and economic development. Seward's decision to buy Alaska was initially met with skepticism, sometimes called "Seward’s Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," due to the perception that the land was barren and remote. However, the discovery of gold, oil, and other valuable resources in the years following the acquisition proved the purchase to be highly beneficial for the nation. This purchase shifted the balance of power in North America and enhanced the United States' position on the Pacific Rim. In contrast, the other options do not reflect historical events pertaining to Alaska's acquisition. There was never a purchase from Canada, nor was there a treaty with Great Britain for its annexation, and military force was not involved in its acquisition. The significance of the transaction and its far-reaching implications for U.S. expansionism and resource acquisition highlight why the purchase from Russia is the accurate and pivotal event in