How Did America End Up Owning Alaska?

Why did Russia sell Alaska—and why did America buy it? The story begins with a late-night negotiation in Washington. Then we follow the sea-otter trade, Tlingit resistance, Russia’s rivalry with Britain, William Seward’s survival of an assassination attempt, and a transfer that happened before the money arrived. The story continues through gold rushes, statehood, oil, and Alaska Native land claims. This is the history behind the bargain-price headline. CHAPTERS 00:00 The overnight deal 00:54 Sea otters and Russian America 02:10 A colony Russia struggled to hold 03:29 Why America, not Britain? 04:32 Seward survives and signs 05:50 The Senate—and the people excluded 07:06 The transfer before the payment 08:15 Gold, oil, and the unfinished story FIND US ON EVERY PLATFORM