CHAPTER 4 QUESTIONS: SALE OF ALASKA

 1. In what year did the United States take possession of Alaska?

1867

2. What was Seward’s role in Alaska?

Seward advocated for the purchase of Alaska. He had a vigorous campaign to persuade the senate to ratify the purchase

3. What two names did Juneau previously have?

Harrisburg and Rockford

4. How much money was Alaska sold for?

$7.2 million for the colony and the property of the Russian-American Company

5. What was the point of the Western Union telegraph scheme?

The Western Union’s dealings in Alaska were to establish telegraphic communication between the United States and Europe. They would have a telegraph line going across the Bering Strait. The project was demolished when the Transatlantic Cable was successfully created.

6. Why did white miners loathe Chinese workers?

On top of being quite racist, they also had a problem with how the Chinese would work for lower wages than the whites were willing to accept and the docile nature of their oriental counterparts. They hated Treadwell and they hated the Chinese workers for making Treadwell wealthier.

7. What are some good things about the Alaska Commercial Company?

They treated natives well, provided schools and medical services, and maintained law and order. However, they were criticized for wanting to keep Alaska fairly unsettled and for themselves.

8.  Why was military rule in Alaska so short?

It was boring, they had no real authority, and they weren’t doing anything to help. They were eventually pulled out because it was a waste of time for everything.

9. Why did Sitka fail?

It became the capitol and was full of great shops, but they had no commerce and there wasn’t enough business to keep everything running. People had to move out because services were not being provided.

10. What was the Organic Act?

It provided the first civil government for Alaska. It allowed the president to appoint the officials of the Alaskan government if approved by the Senate. The district court judge was in charge of interpreting the Oregon code in Alaska. The governor had no purpose. A district attorney, a marshal, four assistants, and the clerk of the court were in charge of law enforcement.