Russia sold Alaska for peanuts. Now it guards America against Moscow

 In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million, reflecting strategic concerns. The decision stemmed from fears of potential conflict with Britain during the Crimean War. Subsequent discoveries of natural resources transformed Alaska’s economic importance significantly over the years. Alaska emerged as a crucial military platform for the United States against the Russian Far East. In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million, reflecting strategic concerns. The decision stemmed from fears of potential conflict with Britain during the Crimean War. Subsequent discoveries of natural resources transformed Alaska’s economic importance significantly over the years. Alaska emerged as a crucial military platform for the United States against the Russian Far East.