Alaska's Historical Significance and Sale

The video explores the history of Alaska, from its time as a Russian territory to its sale to the United States. It covers the initial Russian exploration and settlement, the challenges faced by the Russian-American Company, and the impact of the Crimean War. The video explains why Russia decided to sell Alaska to the U.S. and highlights the benefits the U.S. gained from the acquisition, including natural resources and strategic advantages.

Who was the Russian explorer that attempted to discover the connection between Siberia and North America in the 17th century?

• Vitus Bering

• Nikolay Rezanov

• Alexei Chirikov

• Semyon Dezhnev

What was the primary goal of the Russian-American Company established in the 19th century?

• To promote cultural exchange

• To build military bases

• To establish a fur-trading monopoly

• To explore new territories

What event was the 'last straw' for the Russians, leading them to consider selling Alaska?

• The Crimean War

• The American Civil War

• The War of 1812

• The Klondike Gold Rush

Why did Tsar Alexander II decide to discuss selling Alaska to the United States?

• To expand Russian territory

• To gain access to American resources

• To offset British dominance in the region

• To strengthen ties with Britain

What was the agreed price for the sale of Alaska to the United States?

• $10 million

• $7.2 million

• $5 million

• $12.5 million

How did the American press initially react to the purchase of Alaska?

• They criticized it as a waste of money

• They praised it as a strategic move

• They ignored it completely

• They celebrated it as a victory over Russia

What event triggered a wave of gold miners to Alaska at the end of the 19th century?

• The California Gold Rush

• The Klondike Gold Rush

• The Yukon Gold Rush

• The Alaskan Gold Rush

What is one of the strategic advantages of Alaska for the United States today?

• Its proximity to European markets

• Its large population

• Its abundant agricultural land

• Its location for military defense

Why was maintaining Alaska considered risky and expensive for Russia?

• It was too close to the Russian capital

• It was far from Russian rivals

• It had no natural resources

• It was difficult to defend and far from the capital

What was one of the reasons Russia chose to sell Alaska to the United States?

• To encourage American expansion near British territory

• To avoid conflict with Canada

• To gain military support from the U.S.

• To improve relations with Britain