Politics & Government

United States Purchases Virgin Islands from Denmark

The United States completed the purchase of the Danish West Indies, now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands, for $25 million. This agreement was motivated by strategic interests, particularly the potential for German naval bases in the Caribbean during World War I. The islands, which include St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, were seen as vital for U.S. defense and trade routes. The acquisition was finalized after lengthy negotiations between U.S. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan and Danish officials.

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