Quck answer
Canada did not buy Alaska because at the time of its purchase in 1867, Alaska was not part of Canada. It was a territory of Russia. The Russian government offered to sell Alaska to the United States due to financial difficulties and the potential for conflict with Britain over the region. The United States saw the purchase as an opportunity to expand its territory and gain access to valuable resources. Canada, being a separate British colony at the time, did not have the authority or resources to make such a purchase. Therefore, Canada did not buy Alaska.
Today’s topic of interest revolves around the largest state of the United States, Alaska. With its impressive features such as over 100 volcanoes, 3,000 rivers, and 3,000,000 lakes, it is also known for its long days and nights that can last for months, as well as being a prime location for witnessing the Northern Lights. If you haven’t guessed it already, we are indeed referring to Alaska!
When examining a map of the United States, it may not be immediately apparent where Alaska is located. Why? This is because Alaska does not share a border with any other state. In fact, the country of Canada lies between this northernmost state and the rest of the U.S.
One might start to wonder – how did Alaska become a part of the United States? Many are aware that the U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867. This acquisition was often referred to as Seward’s Folly. However, why did Russia sell Alaska to the U.S. instead of Canada purchasing it?
To answer this question, we must travel back to 1741 when Russia staked its claim on Alaska, declaring it as its territory. Over the following years, Russian colonies were established throughout Alaska, and the region’s abundant natural resources, particularly fur, were exploited. This led to a thriving fur trading industry, which eventually contributed to the near depletion of Alaska’s otter population.
During this same period, another power was gaining strength on the opposite side of North America. You may already be familiar with the British colonies that later became the United States, but Britain also established settlements in what is now known as Canada. These settlements were located in areas such as Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Hudson Bay.
In the 19th century, Russia and Great Britain found themselves in conflict on various fronts. Notably, both nations sought to expand their influence in the Pacific Ocean and were also on opposing sides in the Crimean War, a bloody conflict of that time.
Russia began to feel pressure as both Great Britain and the young United States expanded their power across North America. As the fur trade declined, Russia started reconsidering the value of its Alaskan territory.
It was during this period that Russia contemplated selling Alaska. However, the question arose as to who would be the buyer. Canada was still a colony of Great Britain, and although the two territories shared a border, Russia was hesitant to sell Alaska to its rival, Great Britain. As history shows, Russia ultimately sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. That same year, Great Britain established the Dominion of Canada, bringing the territory closer to becoming its own nation.
So why did Canada not purchase Alaska? There are two main reasons. Firstly, in 1867, Canada did not yet exist as an independent country. Secondly, the Canadian colonies were under the control of Great Britain. Russia was not inclined to sell Alaska to its rival.
Following the acquisition of Alaska, the United States and Canada engaged in a lengthy and contentious dispute over the exact location of the Alaskan border. Eventually, the dispute was resolved, and Alaska’s 1,538-mile border with Canada was officially established. In 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States.
Do you reside in Alaska? Have you ever had the opportunity to visit? Besides being the largest state in the U.S., many consider it to be the most beautiful. From its majestic glaciers and mountains to its lush forests, Alaska offers a plethora of breathtaking sights. If you have a passion for exploring the great outdoors, Alaska may just be the perfect state for you!
Give It a Try
Ask an adult for assistance in exploring the activities mentioned below.
- Interested in discovering more about Alaska? Take a look at Alaska Kids’ Corner. Then, create a poster that can educate people about the largest state in the U.S.A. What fascinating facts about Alaska will you include? Once you’re done, share your poster with a friend or family member.
- Take a look at these photographs of Alaska. Would you like to visit Alaska? Write a letter or email to a friend or family member explaining your reasons for wanting to visit or not.
- Ask a friend or family member to help you locate a map of your area. You might have a physical map, or you can search online. Can you find your country? How about your town? How do you think the borders around your area were determined? Do they align with any geographical features, or were they drawn by people?
Sources of Wonder
- https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/why-didnt-russia-sell-alaska-to-canada.htm (accessed 05 Feb. 2020)
- https://www.history.com/news/canada-independence-from-britain-france-war-of-1812 (accessed 05 Feb. 2020)
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Alaska/Land (accessed 05 Feb. 2020)
- https://matadornetwork.com/notebook/15-surprising-facts-alaska/ (accessed 05 Feb. 2020)
FAQ
1. Why didn’t Canada buy Alaska?
Canada did not buy Alaska because the territory was already owned by Russia at the time. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Canada, as a British colony, did not have the authority or financial means to make such a large acquisition. Additionally, there was no strategic or economic incentive for Canada to purchase Alaska, as the territory was seen as remote and largely uninhabited.
2. Was Canada ever interested in buying Alaska?
There is no historical evidence to suggest that Canada had any serious interest in buying Alaska. At the time of the Alaska purchase in 1867, Canada was focused on its own territorial expansion and the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The idea of acquiring Alaska was not on the agenda for Canadian politicians or policymakers.
3. How did the United States acquire Alaska from Russia?
The United States acquired Alaska from Russia through a purchase known as the Alaska Purchase. In 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated the purchase with the Russian Minister to the United States, Eduard de Stoeckl. The agreement, which was ratified by the U.S. Senate, involved a payment of $7.2 million in gold coins to Russia. The purchase was controversial at the time, with critics dubbing Alaska “Seward’s Folly” due to its perceived lack of value.
4. What were the reasons behind the U.S. purchase of Alaska?
The United States had several reasons for purchasing Alaska. One of the main motivations was to secure American interests in the region and prevent any potential European powers from establishing a presence in North America. Additionally, there were rumors of valuable resources, such as gold, in Alaska, which further fueled the desire to acquire the territory. Lastly, the U.S. government saw the purchase as an opportunity to expand its territory and extend its influence in the Pacific.
5. What impact did the Alaska purchase have on Canada?
The Alaska purchase did not have a direct impact on Canada. At the time, Canada was focused on its own territorial expansion and nation-building efforts. However, the purchase did establish a new border between Canada and the United States, as Alaska became an American territory. This border would later be a subject of negotiation and disputes, particularly in the Yukon Gold Rush era. Overall, the Alaska purchase did not significantly alter Canada’s trajectory or territorial ambitions.
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