Question

According to US supporters, what was the benefit of purchasing Alaska?

A.The territory would be a buffer to invasions from Europe.
B.The territory would provide a place for many Americans to live.
C.It would increase trade by improving access to the northern Pacific.
D.It would increase the United States’ power by creating a bond with Russia.

Answer 1

The purchase of Alaska brought significant benefits in terms of resource acquisition and strategic geopolitical positioning for the United States, thereby justifying what was initially criticized as 'Seward's Folly.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The benefit of purchasing Alaska according to US supporters was primarily the addition of a vast territory with rich mineral resources to the country. The purchase was initially criticized and referred to as "Seward's Folly."

However, the Alaska Purchase granted the United States access to an area rich in natural resources, such as fish, furs, and especially gold, which was discovered later, sparking the Klondike Gold Rush.

Moreover, acquiring Alaska was a strategic move that expanded the United States' presence in the Pacific and competed with European powers for economic and security interests.