America in 1867

4.1.4.wav

The treaty to ratify the purchase of Alaska won easy approval from the United States Senate in 1867, but the House of Representatives was in no hurry to pay the bill for the sale. It wasn't until the following year, nine months after U.S. troops took over in Sitka that the U.S. House approved the $7.2 million payment to Russia.

The delay reflected the priorities of the time. The Civil War, which had ended just two years earlier, was the costliest in American history. Congress was busy with rebuilding the nation, determining the new place in society for ex-slaves, and deciding how to reintegrate Southern states back into the union. The nation was also in the middle of a battle to remove President Andrew Johnson from office. Johnson, who was impeached and acquitted by just one vote in his Senate trial, failed to persuade Congress with his call to make provisions for "the occupation and government of the territory as part of the dominion of the United States." With so many significant issues facing the nation, Alaska was a low priority for the country and its leaders.

The Americans formally took possession of Alaska on October 18, 1867, after a memorable ceremony in which the Russian flag was lowered. According to witness Mariette Davis, "At least the attempt was made to lower it, but as it caught and was torn in two, it required the aid of some three or four Russian soldiers before it came down." Today, October 18th is celebrated as Alaska Day.

The American flag was hung up on the pole that day, but its raising did not trigger any population boom in Alaska. Alaska was difficult and costly to travel to, and there were few economic opportunities to lure people north. The fishing, timber, and mining industries had yet to develop. Few people came to Alaska after the purchase, and most American citizens knew little, if anything, about Alaska.

The raising of the American flag at Sitka to formally take possession of Alaska, October 18, 1867

To navigate through the textbook, click on the next page button or go to the navigation menu on the top left.

Report abuse