The reasons for Russia's decision to sell, however, have not been sufficiently investigated.

It is apparent from the conduct of the negotiation that it was not a casual proposal but one in which Baron Stoeckl, at least, was deeply interested.

It is to be remembered that at this time Russia's ambitions were in Asia, and that her chief rival was Great Britain.
Russia's power was on land; the seas she could not hope to control.

The first moment of war would put Russian rule in, Alaska at the mercy of the British fleet.

In those days when a Siberian railroad was an idle dream, this icebound region in America was so remote from the center of Russian power that it could be neither enjoyed nor protected.