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A Country the Size of the State of São Paulo Almost Changed the History of the United States by Trying to Buy Alaska, a Territory That Is Crucial for American Geopolitics and Economy Today.
There was a time when Alaska, now one of the coldest and most strategic states in the United States, belonged to Russia. This sounds almost unbelievable to many, but it is a historical fact. The region was sold in 1867 for US$ 7.2 million, an amount that at the time seemed insignificant to Americans but represented a great relief for Russian coffers.
The curious thing, however, is that Alaska could have taken a very different fate. Before finalizing the agreement with the United States, Russia considered selling the territory to a small European country: Liechtenstein.
The Context of the Sale of Alaska
In the 19th century, Russia was facing serious financial difficulties. Maintaining the territory of Alaska was a heavy burden, both economically and militarily. There was a fear that Alaska could be taken by the British with no compensation. Thus, the idea of selling it emerged.
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The United States, at the time, was interested in expanding its borders and strengthening its influence in the region. In addition, the American government saw the purchase as an opportunity to help Czar Alexander II, an ally during the American Civil War.
Thus, the agreement was formalized in 1867, and the sovereignty of Alaska was transferred on October 18. Interestingly, the inhabitants of the territory experienced an unusual phenomenon: due to the shift from the Julian calendar, adopted by Russia, to the Gregorian calendar, used by the United States, the day following the transfer was still a Friday.
The Proposal to Liechtenstein
Although Alaska ended up in the hands of the Americans, an intriguing fact came to light years later. In 2015, the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag published an article revealing that, before offering the territory to the United States, Czar Alexander II had proposed selling it to Liechtenstein.
This small European country, located between Austria and Switzerland, is known for its tiny size and peculiarities. With only 37,000 inhabitants, no airports or highways, Liechtenstein has been governed by a constitutional monarchy since 1719. In 1867, Prince Franz Josef II had good relations with Russia and spoke the language fluently, making him a potential buyer.
The proposal, however, was declined.
Curiosity: Liechtenstein, with 160 km², is almost the same size as Parelheiros, one of the largest neighborhoods in São Paulo, which has 153 km².
Why Liechtenstein Said No?
To many, the rejection of the Russian offer seems surprising, but there are plausible explanations. At that time, Alaska was seen as a remote, frozen territory with little strategic value. Furthermore, Liechtenstein’s economy, even though bolstered by the prince’s wealth, was limited. There were no resources or infrastructure to manage and defend a territory so distant.
Another relevant point was the fur trade, the main economic activity of the region at the time. While profitable, it was not enough to justify the purchase. Prince Franz Josef II likely assessed that the logistical and financial challenges outweighed the benefits.
In a letter sent to the press in 2018, the current prince of Liechtenstein, Hans-Adam II, commented on the matter. He acknowledged that his family had indeed considered the proposal but found no sufficient reasons to accept it. However, he admitted that regret came years later, especially after the discovery of vast gold deposits in Alaska, already under American control.
The Lack of Official Records
A curious detail is the absence of documents proving the offer made to Liechtenstein. Hans-Adam II believes the proposal was informal, possibly discussed only in conversations between members of the Russian royalty and the principality. Another possibility is that documents may have been lost during tumultuous historical events, such as World War II.
After the conflict, part of the royal family’s archives was taken by Soviet troops to Moscow, which may have contributed to the disappearance of records. Still, the prince himself confirmed that the issue was debated among his ancestors.
What Could Have Been
If Liechtenstein had accepted the offer, Alaska’s fate could have been drastically different. With its small population and limited resources, the principality would likely have faced enormous difficulties in exploring the territory. Dependent on neighboring powers for transportation and communication, it is possible that the country would not have been able to maintain control for very long.
Today, Alaska is known for its wealth of natural resources, including oil and gas, as well as its strategic importance due to its location in the far north of the American continent. It is hard to imagine how Liechtenstein, a landlocked country of tiny proportions, would manage such vastness.
Although Alaska has become American, the stories behind its sale continue to intrigue. The possibility of it having been territory of one of the smallest countries in the world serves as a reminder of how the course of history can depend on seemingly small decisions.
Que texto mal escrito.
Faltou uma pesquisa bem feita, Liechtenstein é do tamanho do município de São Paulo…
Liechtenstein tem 160km². São Paulo tem 250 mil km²
Tudo certo agora. Na verdade, é quase do tamanho de Parelheiros. Atualizado. Obrigado.