The Russians Lose Interest
Much had been done by the first settlers and Russian fur traders and by 1799, the Russians had extended their reach all the way to Sitka on the southeast coast. Russians were very successful in Alaska selling and trading their furs to others throughout the world. However by the 1850's, Russia's energies and finances had been exhausted by more than a century of frequent European wars. As a result, Russia started looking for ways to eliminate their need to travel overseas to their other territories.
Alaska also started to become dim in the sight of Russia because of its remoteness and harsh climate. It was determined that this type of land was too far away to provide any natural resources or economic development. In addition, as war broke out in Europe in the 1820s, Russia had trouble defending it's large and spread out empire.
Also, whalers and fur traders from other nations and areas began to move into the North territory of Alaska claimed by Russia. They also began to harvest furs and trade them throughout the world. As a result, the profits from the fur trade began to decline. Therefore, interest in Alaska began to fade in the mind of Russia. Serious thoughts were then made to sell the land that was discovered nearly 100 years before.
INDEX - Geography - Wildlife - People - Resources - Events - State Facts
Fast Facts - History - Government - Transportation - Climate - Communication
