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Why did journalist call the alaska purchase of 1867 "sewards folly"

User Mehboob
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Final answer:

The journalists called the Alaska Purchase of 1867 "Seward's Folly" due to concerns about settlement and governance challenges. However, the purchase turned out to be strategically beneficial for the United States.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1867, the United States acquired the Alaskan Territory from Russia for $7.2 million. The purchase was made by Secretary of State William Seward. At the time, many newspaper editors criticized the purchase and labeled it "Seward's Folly" due to concerns about the lack of American settlers in the region and the challenges of governing the native peoples. However, the purchase turned out to be strategic and beneficial for the United States, as it provided access to rich mineral resources, including gold, and added vast territory to the country.

User Jschlereth
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The reason why journalists called the Alaska purchase of 1867 "Seward's folly" is because it was the idea of Senator William Seward to purchase the territory, and it was thought that this was a waste of money since it was so distant and seemingly uninhabitable.

Step-by-step explanation:

They questioned why the United States would want a vast tundra of snow and ice distant from the continental borders.

The Treaty with Russia was allocated and confirmed by Secretary of State William Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl. Authorities of the deal to purchase Alaska called it "Seward's Folly” or “Seward's Icebox." Complaint to the purchase of Alaska receded with the Klondike Gold Strike in 1896.

User Saurabh Manchanda
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