Russian Colonization: Motivations for the Establishment of A Russian Presence in Europe and Alaska
Number of pages:
3
ABSTRACT:
This is a 3 page paper discussing the motivations behind the Russian colonization of Europe and Alaska. The motivations behind the Russian colonization of Europe and Alaska are considered quite different. Primarily, the difference lies in the fact that Russian colonization in Europe is considered to be politically motivated while the Russian presence in Alaska is commercially based. In addition, during the 1700s and 1800s, Russia was extremely powerful in its military, and thanks to the reign and insight of Catherine II, this powerful military was used to further establish Russia’s presence within Europe as its borders expanded to the East and the West to strengthen its power and suppress any revolts and uprisings in the region. Contrary to the political agenda of Russia at the time, private fur traders established a settlement in Alaska. These private traders managed to obtain a charter from Paul I establishing the Russian-American Company and gain sole trading rights in America for twenty years. Despite the entrepreneurship of the traders and the establishment of Orthodox communities in the region, continued political pressures from Europe led to Russia’s decision to sell Alaska to the U.S. in 1867 and thus ending their commercial enterprises in the area.
Bibliography lists 3 sources.
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