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1. Alaska:
- Treaty of Cession (1867): The United States acquired Alaska from the Russian Empire through a treaty known as the Treaty of Cession. The treaty was signed on March 30, 1867, and ratified by the U.S. Senate on April 9, 1867.
- Purchase Price: In exchange for Alaska, the United States paid Russia $7,200,000 in gold. This amount is roughly equivalent to approximately $120 million in today's currency.
- Reason for Purchase: The primary motivation for the United States to acquire Alaska was to gain control over a strategically important region rich in natural resources, such as fur-bearing animals, minerals, and timber.
2. Hawaii:
- Annexation (1898): The United States annexed Hawaii on August 12, 1898, formally establishing it as a U.S. territory.
- History Leading to Annexation: The annexation of Hawaii was a culmination of several factors, including the rise of American economic interests in the region, political maneuvering, and the desire to maintain control over the Pacific.
- U.S. Interests: American businessmen and planters played a significant role in shaping Hawaii's economy, and they lobbied for closer ties with the United States to protect their interests.
- Hawaiian Revolution: In 1893, a group of American and European residents of Hawaii overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy, leading to the establishment of a provisional government.
- Request for Annexation: The provisional government, supported by the U.S. military, petitioned for Hawaii to become part of the United States.
- Congressional Resolution: The U.S. Congress passed the Newlands Resolution on July 7, 1898, which formally annexed Hawaii as a U.S. territory.
It's noteworthy that the acquisition of both Alaska and Hawaii involved complex negotiations, geopolitical considerations, and the evolving interests of the United States during the respective periods.