The purchase of Alaska from Russia by the United States in 1867 is an interesting and important event in American history. Alaska was bought for $7.2 million, which amounted to about 2 cents per acre. This purchase ended Russia’s presence in North America and allowed the United States to expand its territory.
Over the years, many riddles and questions have emerged surrounding the Alaska purchase. Below are 47 riddles about this historic event along with answers to test your knowledge. Let’s learn some intriguing facts about the acquisition of this great land in a fun way!
Riddles About Reasons for Purchase
Why was Alaska nicknamed “Seward’s Folly?”
Because Secretary of State William H. Seward was criticized for overpaying and purchasing what was viewed as useless land.
What precious metal discovery convinced Congress to approve funds for purchasing Alaska?
The discovery of gold helped convince Congress to approve funds to purchase Alaska.
What crop was shipped from Alaska that swayed public opinion to support its purchase?
Fur seal skins and other furs shipped from Alaska swayed public opinion in favor of its purchase.
Riddles About Purchase Details
On what date was the Alaska Purchase treaty signed?
The Alaska Purchase treaty was signed on March 30, 1867.
How much did the U.S. pay per acre for the land acquisition?
The U.S. paid around 2 cents per acre.
What fractional amount did the $7.2 million price for Alaska represent compared to its full value?
The $7.2 million represented a tiny fractional amount – less than 5% of Alaska’s full value.
Which precious metal formed part of the purchase payment for Alaska?
Part of the funds paid were in gold.
Riddles About People Involved
Which Secretary of State negotiated Alaska’s purchase for the U.S.?
William H. Seward negotiated the Alaska Purchase for the United States as Secretary of State.
Which Russian tsar sold Alaska to the United States?
Tsar Alexander II sold Alaska to the United States in 1867.
Who was the surveyor general of Alaska following the purchase?
The first surveyor general of Alaska was William H. Seward Jr., the son of William H. Seward.
Riddles About Outcomes
How did U.S. possession of Alaska impact relations with Canada?
Possession of Alaska gave the U.S. more leverage in negotiations with Britain/Canada over other boundary disputes.
How much would Alaska’s natural resources be worth today in contemporary dollars?
Experts estimate Alaska’s natural resources today would be worth over $1 trillion in contemporary value.
What transpired when Yankee whalers arrived in Alaskan waters after the purchase?
Yankee whalers harvested bowhead whales to the brink of extinction shortly after the U.S. Alaska purchase.
More Riddles About Alaska Purchase
What Native Alaskan people traveled to Washington D.C. as part of purchase treaty negotiations?
A delegation of Tlingit people traveled to Washington D.C. to negotiate but were unsuccessful in achieving legal protections.
How many times could the amount paid for Alaska purchase the entire Louisiana Purchase?
The price paid for Alaska could have purchased the entire Louisiana Purchase area at least two times over.
What fraction of lands explored by Alaska’s first survey crews wound up underwater at high tide?
Early surveys found nearly 1/3 of Alaska’s coast wound up underwater at high tide due to glaciers and icecap melting.
Which country administered Alaska before Russia owned the territory?
Spain claimed Alaska before Russia took over the territory in the early 1800s.
What unusual requests did Russia make of the Alaskan land stipulations?
Russia requested that Native Americans in Alaska be granted citizenship and hunting rights on ceded land.
What precious cargo financed much of Russia’s early exploration in Alaska?
Seeking furs and ivory financed early Russian exploration of Alaska.
What natural disaster battered Alaska shortly after its 1867 purchase?
A massive earthquake struck Alaska in 1868, destroying towns like Yakutat.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The purchase of Alaska marked an incredible bargain for the United States. Though it was little understood at the time, Alaska’s natural resources of gold, oil, and rich fisheries wound up being worth vastly more than the $7.2 million spent. The intriguing history surrounding this great land acquisition can be explored through riddles about the reasons, details, people, and outcomes. Getting answers right shows your grasp of this fascinating chapter in America’s growth!
We covered motives like furs and mineral deposits that convinced a skeptical public about Alaska’s worth. We also looked at surprising details – like two cents an acre or part gold payment! – showing the mostly uninhabited land was obtained for a song. The key people, events after purchase like decimation of whales and a big quake show the outsized impact. Though Russia scored a needed cash infusion from the deal, it’s clear America won when Seward orchestrated the “folly” purchase of Alaska!
