Why did Russia Colonize Alaska?

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Back in the 17th century, a Russian explorer by the name of Semyon Dezhnev attempted to discover whether Siberia was connected with or in close proximity to North America. There are conflicting theories of what happened during this expedition, but the Russian government heard nothing of his findings either way. Still hoping to answer the question Dezhnev set out to resolve though, in the early 18th century, Tsar Peter the Great opted to send out another expedition. This time, two men by the names of Vitus Bering and Alexei Chirikov, each set sail for a joint exploration to find the northwestern coast of the North American continent.

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Skylar J. Gordon

#History #Documentary #alaska

[Knowledgia]

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[steffenrosmus]

Not only Alaska, there had been Russian settlements in Washington, Oregon and California down to the Russian River region. They withdraw from those when Seward bought Alaska for the US.

[dragosstanciu]

It is amazing how daring were those who explored the vast and often perilous territories of Siberia, Africa and the Americas.

[heronimousbrapson]

Indeed, during the Crimean war, British warships based in Victoria, British Columbia did attack Russian settlements in Alaska.

[nothingelse]

I grew up in Alaska, as a kid people would ask me really stupid questions like "Do you use American money?" or "Do you have a pet penguin or polar bear?"

[nathanielsemans]

Fun fact: Russia considered selling Alaska to Lichtenstein before selling it to America

[raphlvlogs]

modern Russia is already huge in size but don't forget that it used to be much larger for a really long time

[revinhatol]

7:39
3 months later, ... The British territories in North America federate into the country we know today as Canada.

[In_Our_Timeline]

Siberia and Alaska are just the same place only separated by water

[joeshar.]

In the early 1800s, Russia called current day Alaska Russia-America (Russkaya Amerika).

The name "Alaska" is derived from the Aleut "alaxsxaq", meaning "the mainland".

Thank God, American hasn't changed the name to something like New Siberia.

[goldeagle]

Low price because obviously Russia wanted to get rid of it and get a buffer against the British in Canada. Also, the remote region on another continent was undefendable in a war, especially with the technology at the time.

[thevettegetsitwett]

Made sense at the time for everyone. Russia got to cut a colony that was costing them money that they feared they would eventually lose anyway and also turned that region into a 3 power region. So rather than the British potentially dominating the area the Americans owning Alaska would have a presence and America & the Britt’s fought two war previously in a short period. So Russia cut a place costing them money and put an adversary in check but little did they know it was full of natural resources and well worth an investment. The US gained room to continue growing and a potential strategic military position. The US clearly won this deal but back then it makes sense what both sides were thinking.

[btwuam]

1:21 in the early 18th century, not 17th. Tsar Peter the Great ruled from 1682 to 1725

[doubtingthomas]

The fact that we get free videos on YouTube by Knowledgia is truly a gift.., keeping the education and knowledge alive 👏👏👏

[fatherofhistory]

I was really interested to learn about the history of Alaska in this video. I had no idea that Russia colonized Alaska for over 200 years! I also found it fascinating to learn about the reasons why Russia decided to sell Alaska to the United States. It seems like it was a strategic decision that ultimately benefited both countries.

[mindhistorydocumentary]

In 1741, Russian explorers led by Vitus Bering reached Alaska, establishing settlements and the Russian-American Company to trade furs. However, by 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for just $7.2 million due to financial struggles and fears of losing it to Britain. A pivotal chapter in world history documentary!

[jonathansoberanes]

This looks cool can’t wait to watch it

[michaellynes]

Alaska was rich in gold and oil. The Russian Empire just threw away a money pit.

[MCorpReview]

Selling Alaska would be unthinkable under 😂Stalin …or Putin for that matter

[martindansky]

There wasn't a jump from the 23 colonies to a country of 50 states, for example there was the Louisiana purchase of the territory west of the 13 colonies by the early US from France and there were conflicts between the young US and Mexico where they gradually gained the territory north of what is Meyxico today...