The History of the Russian Empire in the Americas

Russian presence in the Americas dates back to the early 18th century Traders and merchants who spread across Siberia just kept going when they reached the Pacific Ocean. The Russians mostly stayed close to the coast and didn't establish any camps or towns in the interior. Russia's main competitor was the United Kingdom in Afghanistan and South Asia They constantly vied for power with the British in what was called the Great Game In 1858 Russian are Alexander II made the decision to try and sell the territory to the United States It would serve their strategic goals and they could make some desperately needed money in the process Initial talks between Russia and the United States began with the Buchanan administration However the unpopularity of his presidency meant that