John Davis
Banned
Considering that Canada is in closer proximity to Alaska than America, what if Canada had bought instead of the United States?
Canada buys Alaska instead of the United States
- Thread starter John Davis
- Start date
Russia was hostile to Britain, so they preferred to sell it to the US.
Much like when Napoleon sold Louisiana to the US in 1803, they thought this could cause headaches for the British Empire.
But if it was sold to Canada, Alaska would probably be less populated and underdeveloped today.
Much like when Napoleon sold Louisiana to the US in 1803, they thought this could cause headaches for the British Empire.
But if it was sold to Canada, Alaska would probably be less populated and underdeveloped today.
Well, one, I'm pretty sure this has been discussed before, but a quick answer would be to point out that Russia was specifically considering selling to the US, and negotiations had been going on since the mid 1840s for sure (maybe the 1830s; just spitballing right now).
Also, another point: the US purchased Alaska before Canada was even formed as a single Dominion, about three months prior. So any negotiations would have to start from that point if you desire Canada to purchase it (or, well, you'd have to move confederation up to an earlier formation).
A far more likely event is for the British to force a sale of the territory at the end of one of their various wars, or to have it exchanged as part of a bargain.
FillyofDelphi
Banned
Also, Canada goes deeply into debt to buy what they believe to be tapped-out fur territory made up of icey wilderness (Which, if you're Canada, isen't something you're exactly in short supply of). Its not exactly a good deal for them, given the differences in supply/demand of money/open space, respectively.
Assuming Canada does wind up with it, it looks like a less developed BC. Once oil is discovered you may see a quasi-alliance between Alberta and Alaska over oil issues.
I always want to read titles like this as 'But Canada didn't buy the United States' 
Obviously, 'Canada' is going to have a much tougher time raising that kind of money - especially since Canada's first priority was the transcontinental railroad.
IMO, the most likely way for Canada to get it is if Britain buys/takes it, and it joins Canada later. Possibly with BC.
for reference, similar threads have been
AHC: Canadian Alaska and Hawaii
WI British North America took Alaska during the Crimean War?
WI: Britain buys Alaska in the early 1860s?
WI: Canadian Alaska
AHC: The British buy Alaska?
Great Britain buys Alaska: How much stronger does Canada becomes
AHC/WI: Russia sells Alaska to Great Britain
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Could Canada have aquired Alaska?
What if the British asked that Alaska be secceded after the Crimean war?
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AH Challenge: Canadian Alaska
Obviously, 'Canada' is going to have a much tougher time raising that kind of money - especially since Canada's first priority was the transcontinental railroad.
IMO, the most likely way for Canada to get it is if Britain buys/takes it, and it joins Canada later. Possibly with BC.
for reference, similar threads have been
AHC: Canadian Alaska and Hawaii
WI British North America took Alaska during the Crimean War?
WI: Britain buys Alaska in the early 1860s?
WI: Canadian Alaska
AHC: The British buy Alaska?
Great Britain buys Alaska: How much stronger does Canada becomes
AHC/WI: Russia sells Alaska to Great Britain
British Alaska
British Alaska and Hawaii?
Britain Takes Alaska During the Crimean War
British (Canadian) Alaska
Long Term Effects of Canadian Alaska
Could Canada have aquired Alaska?
What if the British asked that Alaska be secceded after the Crimean war?
WI British Take Alaska 1854.
Challenge: Make Alaska, Hawaii, Greenland part of Canada
Canadian Alaska
AH Challenge: Canadian Alaska
It being part of the Crimean War peace treaty is the easiest option because Canada has always been short of funds and had a negligible presence on the west coast until about the 20th century.