The Alaska Purchase (Story Time with Mr. Beat)

The video discusses the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, a deal often seen as beneficial for the U.S. due to Alaska's economic contributions. Russia sold Alaska due to financial strain and fear of British expansion. The purchase, negotiated by William Seward, faced criticism as 'Seward's Folly' but later proved valuable with gold and oil discoveries. Economist David Barker challenged the deal's value, suggesting benefits could have been gained without ownership. The video concludes with a positive view of Alaska's integration into the U.S.

What new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?