Final answer:
The press referred to Seward's Icebox as the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Critics used this term to ridicule the acquisition, but Alaska's natural resources ultimately made it a valuable acquisition for the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The press referred to Seward's Icebox as the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.
William H. Seward, the US Secretary of State at the time, negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. The term 'Seward's Icebox' was used by critics in the press to ridicule the acquisition, as they believed it to be a cold and barren wasteland. However, over time, the value of the land increased due to its rich natural resources, including oil, gold, and fisheries.
Seward's Icebox ultimately became an important and strategic acquisition for the United States, establishing a precedent for American territorial expansion.