Question

Which of the following best describes the controversy in the United States over the 1868 purchase of Alaska?

Answer 1

Answer: Supporters believed Alaska would provide valuable natural resources, while detractors felt it was too cold and too far away.

Explanation:

Alaska was purchased by the Andrew Johnson Presidency in 1867 from Russia whose leaders believed it best to sell the territory as they did not think themselves strong enough to defend against the British decided to add it to Canada.

Not all in the U.S. were in favor of purchasing the territory however. These detractors felt Alaska was a cold and barren wasteland that was too far away. Supporters on the other hand, noted that there was a chance Alaska had valuable natural resources - and they were right.