In recent days, a social media post claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the 1867 sale of Alaska to the United States “illegal” has gone viral, causing a stir on the internet. The post, originating from an article on essanews.com, alleged that Putin signed a decree questioning the legitimacy of the sale and planning to declare the territory occupied. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is a baseless rumor.
The historical context of the Alaska sale dates back to 1859 when Russia offered to sell Alaska to the United States. The motivation behind this offer was Russia’s belief that the United States would serve as a counterbalance to its main Pacific adversary, Great Britain. The sale was initially delayed due to the impending American Civil War, but it eventually went through.
On March 30, 1867, the United States accepted the Russian proposal to purchase Alaska for $7.2 million. The treaty of purchase was approved by the Senate on April 9, signed by President Andrew Johnson on May 28, and officially incorporated into the United States on October 18, 1867. While the acquisition was initially criticized, especially by critics who dubbed it “Seward’s Folly” after Secretary of State William Seward, it proved to be strategically significant.
Alaska was governed by military, naval, or treasury rule for about thirty years following its acquisition, with the United States paying little attention to the region during this period. In 1884, the U.S. established a civil government in an attempt to enforce mining laws. However, it wasn’t until the discovery of a significant gold deposit in the Yukon in 1896 that Alaska gained renewed attention. Alaska served as the entry point to the Klondike gold fields, vindicating Seward’s decision. The strategic importance of Alaska was fully recognized during World War II, and it was eventually admitted as a state on January 3, 1959.
Returning to the present, the claim that Putin declared the 1867 sale of Alaska “illegal” is unfounded and lacks any credible sources. The rumor seems to have originated from a misleading article published on essanews.com. It’s crucial to approach such information critically and fact-check claims before sharing them on social media.
Moreover, the geopolitical context of the rumor raises questions about its credibility. With tensions high between Russia and Ukraine, misinformation and disinformation campaigns are not uncommon. In this case, the alleged declaration by Putin could be seen as an attempt to sow discord or provoke reactions on social media.
It’s important for the public to be aware of such attempts to manipulate information, especially during times of heightened geopolitical tensions. Fact-checking and relying on credible news sources are essential practices to discern accurate information from false claims.
In response to the viral post, fact-checking organizations and news outlets have debunked the claim, emphasizing the lack of evidence to support the assertion that Putin declared the Alaska sale illegal. It is crucial to rely on verified and authoritative sources when seeking information on historical events and geopolitical developments.
The claim that Vladimir Putin declared the 1867 sale of Alaska to the United States “illegal” is not substantiated by credible evidence. Historical facts confirm that Alaska’s acquisition by the United States followed a legitimate and well-documented process. As misinformation continues to spread on social media platforms, it is imperative for users to exercise caution, verify claims, and rely on trustworthy sources to maintain an accurate understanding of historical events and contemporary geopolitical issues.
