Question

Why did journalists call the Alaska purchase of 1867 “Seward’s Folly”?
A) They believed the United States should direct its energies toward Latin America.
B) It was contrary to the idea of Manifest Destiny.
C) They viewed Alaska as a remote, snowbound, barren territory.
D) Public opinion supported the purchase of Hawaii.

Answer 1

C) They viewed Alaska as a remote, snowbound, barren territory.

Answer 2

Answer:

Option: C. They viewed Alaska as a remote, snowbound, barren territory.

Explanation:

Alaska was a part of the Russian Empire in the 17th century, but Russian was not able to settle there. After losing the Crimean War, Russian Empire decided to sell Alaska to the United States. It was under the negotiation of William Seward and the Russian minister Stoecki the agreement was made. Alaska remained remote after its purchase from the Russian Empire for many years, and critics called Alaska to purchase “Seward’s Folly”.