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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 now crucial to American geopolitics and economy.
There was a time when Alaska, today one of the coldest and most strategic states in the United States, belonged to the Russia. This may seem unbelievable to many, but it is a historical fact. The region was sold in 1867 for $7,2 million, an amount that at the time seemed insignificant to Americans, but represented a huge relief for the Russian coffers.
The curious thing, however, is that Alaska could have had a very different fate. Before closing the deal 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. Holding onto the Alaskan territory was a heavy burden, both Valuation and militarily. There was a fear that Alaska could be taken by the British, without any compensation. With that, the idea of selling it arose.
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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 Tsar Alexander II, an ally during the American Civil War.
Thus, the agreement was signed 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 change from the Julian calendar, adopted by Russia, to the Gregorian calendar, used by the United States, the day after the transfer was still Friday.
The proposal to Liechtenstein
Although Alaska ended up in American hands, an intriguing fact came to light years later. In 2015, the German newspaper World on Sunday published an article revealing that, before offering the territory to the United States, Tsar Alexander II had proposed selling it to Liechtenstein.
This small European country, located between Austria and Switzerland, is known for its diminutive size and peculiarities. With only 37 inhabitants and 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 rejected.
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 did Liechtenstein say no?
For many, the rejection of the Russian offer seems surprising, but there are plausible explanations. At the time, Alaska was seen as a remote, frozen territory of little strategic value. Furthermore, Liechtenstein's economy, although strengthened by the prince's wealth, was limited. It did not have the resources or structure to administer and defend such a distant territory.
Another relevant point was the fur trade, the main economic activity in the region at the time. Although profitable, it was not enough to justify the purchase. Prince Franz Josef II probably 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 considered the proposal, but did not find sufficient reasons to accept it. However, he admitted that he regretted it years later, especially after the discovery of vast gold deposits in Alaska, already under US control.
The lack of official records
One curious detail is the absence of documents proving the offer made to Liechtenstein. Hans-Adam II believes that the proposal was informal, possibly discussed only in conversations between members of the Russian royal family and the principality. Another possibility is that the documents may have been lost during tumultuous historical events, such as World War II.
After the conflict, part of the royal family's archive was taken by Soviet troops to Moscow, which may have contributed to the disappearance of records. Still, the prince himself confirmed that the matter was discussed among his ancestors.
What could have been
Had Liechtenstein accepted the offer, the fate of Alaska could have been drastically different. With its small population and limited resources, the principality would likely have faced enormous difficulties in exploiting the territory. Dependent on neighboring powers for transportation and communication, the country may not have been able to maintain control for long.
Today, Alaska is known for its wealth of natural resources, including oil and gas, and its strategic importance due to its location at the northern tip of the American continent. It is hard to imagine how Liechtenstein, a landlocked country of tiny proportions, would cope with such vastness.
Although Alaska has become American, the stories behind its sale continue to intrigue. The possibility that it was once the territory of one of the world’s smallest countries is a reminder of how the course of history can hinge on seemingly small decisions.
Liechtenstein has 160km². São Paulo has 250 thousand km².
There was a lack of proper research, Liechtenstein is the size of the city of São Paulo…
All right now. In fact, it's almost the size of Parelheiros. Updated. Thanks.
What a poorly written text.