The acquisition of Alaska from Russia, secured by United States Secretary of State William H. Seward for $7.2 million, marked a substantial territorial expansion for the United States. Known as 'Seward's Folly' by skeptics, the deal was concluded on March 30, 1867, and involved the transfer of approximately 586,000 square miles of land, amounting to about two cents per acre. The Russian Empire sought to divest itself of Alaska largely due to the high cost of administration and the difficulty of defending the territory against British expansion from Canada. Seward, a proponent of expansionism, viewed the purchase as an opportunity to further extend American territory and access valuable natural resources.The negotiation was driven by geopolitical considerations. After a lengthy diplomatic discussion, the United States successfully convinced Russia to agree to the sale. The purchase was formalized by a treaty that not only adjusted borders but also set the stage for America’s growing influence in the Pacific and Arctic regions. As news of the purchase spread across the United States, public opinion was divided; many criticized the acquisition as a waste of money, considering the sparse population and perceived lack of resources in Alaska. However, over time, gold and other natural resources would prove this assessment to be misguided.In subsequent years, Alaska would reveal its wealth in minerals, oil, and natural gas, dramatically changing perceptions of the purchase. The strategic significance of Alaska would be highlighted further during World War II and the Cold War, especially concerning military bases and routes to the Arctic. Ultimately, the acquisition redefined American territorial limits and brought American interests into the northern reaches of the continent, making it a pivotal moment in the nation’s westward expansion and resource acquisition strategies.