Tsarist Russia sold the Alaska region to the United States, arguably the biggest failed deal in human history. An area of 171 square kilometers is much larger for many countries. The Russian settlements established in the Alaska area in the 18th century and began colonizing the area. But at that time, Britain, the United States, and Spain could enter the area at will for exploration, and it is conceivable how inconspicuous the control of Russia was at that time. It was not until 1799 that Tsarist Russia formalized its sovereignty here. In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for a super low price of $7.2 million, which is the largest case of land transaction in the history of the world so far. On average, it's only $4.20 per square kilometer. So why did Russia sell Alaska?
1. The position of Tsarist Russia in Alaska was affected
After Alaska became the territory of Tsarist Russia, his status here has always been scrutinized by the United States, Britain and other countries. The territorial size also became a concern for Tsarist Russia because it was difficult to control. For the territory that is difficult to control, Tsarist Russia seems to have more than enough and insufficient strength. Worrying about other countries all day long is better to sell this land, so that you can not only get money, but also solve your worries. Coupled with the fact that the russian operation and development in Alaska was not good. As a result, Alaska eventually became a burden to Tsarist Russia.
2. Tsarist Russia is short of money
In 1853, the Crimean War broke out, facing the siege of Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire and other countries, Tsarist Russia had to pay attention. In the end, Tsarist Russia failed, and its national strength was further depleted. At this time, the British had their eyes on Alaska, and in order not to let the British get it, Russia proposed to sell it to the United States. In order to obtain capital turnover, an agreement was finally reached with the United States. The United States is equivalent to picking up such a large piece of land in vain.
3) Alaska is not suitable for colonization
Early Alaska had a very small population, scattered habitations, and a large permafrost belt, making it difficult to develop. However, many animals such as otters, beavers and seals live here, which are suitable for hunting. But after years of hunting, there were fewer and fewer animals. At this time, Tsarist Russia thought that Alaska was of little value. Coupled with britain's westward advance from Canada, the contradictions between the two sides intensified. The defeat in the Crimean War, Tsarist Russia is not willing to clash with Britain, it is better to sell, not only to make money, but also to let Britain and the United States to fight, sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight. Alaska, which had no use value, was thus sold by Tsarist Russia.
4. Tsarist Russia gained benefits and territory in China
Compared with Alaska, Tsarist Russia attaches more importance to the Outer Northeast and its interests in China. During the second opium campaign, Czarist Russia took advantage of the Qing Dynasty's internal and external troubles to force the Qing Dynasty to sign the Sino-Russian Beijing Treaty and obtain the opportunity for negotiations in the outer northeast and the outer northwest. By 1867, when Tsarist Russia sold Alaska, Tsarist Russia finally acquired 1.44 million territory from China through the Treaty of Yaohun, the Sino-Russian Treaty of Beijing, and the Treaty on the Survey and Division of the Northwest Boundary. And those territories are better than Alaska. To this end, Tsarist Russia turned to the development of these territories. And giving up Alaska is no big deal, because his goal is to continue invading China.
In light of the above, there was no heartache for Tsarist Russia to sell Alaska, and at that time Tsarist Russia felt that it was a good deal. And some people in the United States think that this is not cost-effective. From today's strategic geopolitical point of view, it is certainly the most cost-effective. At that time, industrial technology was backward, and no matter who it was, the development and utilization of Alaska obviously did not achieve effective results.
Up to now, even the worst weather can be overcome, and Alaska's resources can be developed. Therefore, the United States takes a long-term view and buys this land, which is the most cost-effective. And Tsarist Russia has won China's outer northeast and outer northwest, which are better than Alaska, and he also believes that it is not a loss. If Alaska is in Russia's hands today, the strategic geography is also different.