Even though America's purchase of Alaska was considered by many to be a mistake, it was strategically advantageous due to its size, location and its natural resources such as gold and oil. After the purchase, the United States increased its land holdings by one-fifth at present. Almost everything has a starting point; This is it, the starting point for the purchase of Alaska. Initially, Russia was very interested in Alaska. Russia became very interested in Alaska after realizing that it was rich in natural resources. In 1725, Russian Tsar Peter the Great sent Vitus Bering to explore the coast of Alaska. The reason the Russians lost interest in Alaska was primarily because St. Petersburg did not have the financial resources to support a major colonization or military presence along the Pacific coast of North America. North. Moreover, permanent Russian settlers never exceeded 400 people. Defeat in the Crimean War also significantly reduced Russian interest in Alaska, as the Russians feared losing, especially to the British, whom they had fought in the Crimean War. What did they have to lose? They believed that the United States would counterbalance the designs of Russia's greatest rival in the Pacific, Great Britain, so that they could offset Britain's designs and lose land that they could not. allow yourself first. After losing almost all interest in Alaska. , Russia has decided to sell Alaska to the United States. However, due to the war, the Alaska Treaty had to be postponed until March 30, 1867. Incredibly, the price for Alaska was only $7.2 million (about 2 cents per acre ). The Senate initially disagreed on this. Many people called it "Seward's Folly" because they viewed the purchase as $7.2 million for a "huge iceberg"....... middle of paper...... ka Purchase. The United States has also greatly increased its natural resources. Alaska was filled with gold and petroleum (oil). Even today, oil is transported across the state by pipeline. Oil is Alaska's richest and most common natural resource. Overall, the Alaska purchase was extremely practical and useful for the country. United States Although Alaska is only one, in 49 other states, its purchase (and itself) led to immense growth of the United States in two ways. They gained about a fifth more of the land they currently owned at the time. natural resources, notably gold and oil. Land was also strategically advantageous. Through my research, it is my understanding that the United States demonstrated a growing interest in the Pacific and began to expand its role in the world by venturing out and taking risks. by purchasing land further from its borders.