Purchase of Alaska

Purchase of Alaska

From History Dispatches by Matt and McKinley Breen

May 1, 2026 · 14 min · Season 2 · Episode 145

About this episode

This episode explores the historical significance and misconceptions surrounding the purchase of Alaska by the United States in 1867.

In 1867, the United States - led by Secretary of State William Seward - agreed to purchase the territory of Alaska from the Russian government - for $7.2m. Many people mocked the purchase - saying the land was useless. They called it "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox". Little did they understand what had been acquired. This is the story of one of the best buys ever made by the United States government - the purchase of Alaska. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Purchase https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/treaties/sumners-alaskan-project.htm Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alaska_purchase.jpg Sponsor Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only. While supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt Breen, McKinley Breen

Topics covered

  • Alaska Purchase
  • U.S. history
  • Seward's Folly
  • territorial acquisition
  • 19th century politics

Keywords

  • Alaska
  • purchase
  • Seward
  • Russia
  • history
  • territory
  • government
  • U.S.

Sponsors

Factor Meals

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Russian government, Airwave Media Network

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