Russia Sells Alaska to Lichtenstein: Not Just Another Swiss Navy Joke

How could one of the world's tiniest countries, with less than 40,000 people today, consider involvement in a frontier the size of Alaska? Apparently it was a consideration before the United States bought the territory from Russia. Following is a translation of a report in the Swiss media, along with the link (in German).

«It is certainly not a rumor» In a letter, Prince Hans-Adam II confirms an Alaska purchase offer from the Russian tsar to the princely house. The lack of a written document does not surprise him.

Alaska.
With its show «SRF bi de Lüt – Live», Swiss television had wanted to bring the small principality closer to its viewers from a wide range of perspectives on 17 November – and at the same time make some locals pay attention in amazement. In particular, the information that the Russian tsar had offered Liechtenstein's Prince Alaska for sale before the area was sold to the US in 1867 caused widespread astonishment and scepticism.

Memories of family discussions

In a letter to the Liechtenstein daily newspapers, however, Prince Hans-Adam II has now confirmed the existence of such an offer. «It's certainly not a rumour,» he underlines in it. He could recall that the offer to buy had been discussed again and again in an internal family.
 
How could one of the world's tiniest countries, with less than 40,000 people today, consider involvement in a frontier the size of Alaska? Apparently it was a consideration before the United States bought the territory from Russia. Following is a translation of a report in the Swiss media, along with the link (in German).

Love to see this happen - although Liechtenstein's lack of a coastline might prove problematic. Added to that the fact they are the only absolute monarchy left in Europe, and that the prince didn't actually set foot in Liechtenstein until after the end of the Austrian Empire IIRC, and we could be looking at a very interesting scenario.
 
Russia also offered to sell Alaska to Britain, but they declined. If Lichtenstein did make the purchase, how long would they keep it? The Klondike Gold Rush does not come until the 1890's. If they sell it to the U.S. before then, history would change little. But if not, would they "part it out" or lease claim sections?
 
The prince would be smart to move to Alaska and build a summer residence and a administrative post there. Establishing a Royal Guard to enforce his writ would be essential. With a European population of only 40,000 to drawn on mercenaries and loyal migrants would be essential to getting the Royale 'Alaskan Guards' up and running.
 
Russia also offered to sell Alaska to Britain, but they declined. If Lichtenstein did make the purchase, how long would they keep it? The Klondike Gold Rush does not come until the 1890's. If they sell it to the U.S. before then, history would change little. But if not, would they "part it out" or lease claim sections?

Well, that was sort of what I was also wondering. Liechtenstein KEEPING Alaska is a different situation to Liechtenstein simply palming it off onto the US/Canada/Japanese/Madagascans at a later date
 
Well, that was sort of what I was also wondering. Liechtenstein KEEPING Alaska is a different situation to Liechtenstein simply palming it off onto the US/Canada/Japanese/Madagascans at a later date
If the Liechtensteins wanted to, they'd likely move to Alaska and consider selling Liechtenstein proper to Austria
 
If the Liechtensteins wanted to, they'd likely move to Alaska and consider selling Liechtenstein proper to Austria
Switzerland is more likely than Austria. The short growing season would discourage settlers accustomed to a European environment.
Well, that was sort of what I was also wondering. Liechtenstein KEEPING Alaska is a different situation to Liechtenstein simply palming it off onto the US/Canada/Japanese/Madagascans at a later date
Lichtenstein would be highly reliant on maritime powers to recognize its claim. That means generous lease agreements with those who want to utilize its resources. Once the gold rush comes, the situation could be profitable or it could be threatening. Then you have the Russo-Japanese War. My guess is that the territory would be sold in parts with Japan taking the Aleutian Islands and Canada taking the islands west of British Columbia. They might keep the less harsh areas around present-day Anchorage and establish a Duchy that would administer lease rights.
 
Switzerland is more likely than Austria. The short growing season would discourage settlers accustomed to a European environment.

Lichtenstein would be highly reliant on maritime powers to recognize its claim. That means generous lease agreements with those who want to utilize its resources. Once the gold rush comes, the situation could be profitable or it could be threatening. Then you have the Russo-Japanese War. My guess is that the territory would be sold in parts with Japan taking the Aleutian Islands and Canada taking the islands west of British Columbia. They might keep the less harsh areas around present-day Anchorage and establish a Duchy that would administer lease rights.
They could encourage settlers from the Scandanavian countries, or some Alpine guys

Butterflies dude. Theres no guratee of the Russo-Japanese war
 
From what I can understand, Lichtenstein was no haven of wealth in the 1860's, so the possibility they could afford such a transaction is iffy. But if they took the risk, I might guess it would be an installment sale and most likely partitioned, to Canada, Japan, and the U.S. Most towns weren't there yet; there was no Anchorage until the twentieth century. So I don't see it as a haven for European immigrants. If smart, they might sell areas with 50-year or 100-year mineral rights conditions. Japan's involvement could be interesting, as it can affect imperial interests and conflicts like the Russo-Japanese War and World War II.
 
I seem to remember reading that Russia was so desperate for money that the Tsar was hoping to start up a bidding war on Alaska. Russia might not have realistically expected Liechtenstein to purchase Alaska, but was probably hoping to get the bidding started so that the more serious contenders (US, UK, maybe France) could offer higher prices.
 
From what I can understand, Lichtenstein was no haven of wealth in the 1860's, so the possibility they could afford such a transaction is iffy. But if they took the risk, I might guess it would be an installment sale and most likely partitioned, to Canada, Japan, and the U.S. Most towns weren't there yet; there was no Anchorage until the twentieth century. So I don't see it as a haven for European immigrants. If smart, they might sell areas with 50-year or 100-year mineral rights conditions. Japan's involvement could be interesting, as it can affect imperial interests and conflicts like the Russo-Japanese War and World War II.

It's important to understand that the Principality of Liechtenstein only existed to give a Royal title to the House of Liechtenstein, which was a major and very rich noble Austrian and Bohemian noble family, which owned large possesions in the Austrian Empire, as example around one third of Austrian Silesia.

The red and blue territories belonged to the family
1280px-%C3%96sterreichisch-Schlesien_1746_de.svg.png


As such the family was very rich and could likely have afforded to buy it. But it would put Alaska in a interesting limbo, as it would de facto be a private Austrian colony, but de jura be a owned by the Principality of Liechtenstein. This would ensure that it would get the protection of being Austrian until 1914, from there it could survive based on the fact it wasn't official Austrian. Following the WWI we will see a shift to it being connected to Switzerland instead, but at that point it have reached a population size where it will too viable as a independent state to really be seen as a colony. Prince Franz Joseph the first prince of Liechtenstein to visit (and live in) Liechtenstein will likely choose a American exile instead. By modern day it will simply be a funny fact that the Grand Duchy (or kingdom) of Alaska technical own a small pierce of land between Austria and Switzerland.

The Princes of Liechenstein will likely embrace a politics of developing Alaska, they will likely be quite open to all settlers, I could see many of the Germans who tried to found small Neu Germania(s) around South America will choose Alaska instead, I could also see it being popular among Russian Mennonites. I expect with the greater focus it will have somewhat higher population, but the climae sets up limits.
 
I seem to remember reading that Russia was so desperate for money that the Tsar was hoping to start up a bidding war on Alaska. Russia might not have realistically expected Liechtenstein to purchase Alaska, but was probably hoping to get the bidding started so that the more serious contenders (US, UK, maybe France) could offer higher prices.
Another strategic point. Lichtenstein might provide the greatest chance to sell portions to different bidders, putting the interests of more countries in the north Pacific, assuring the likelihood of allies near their eastern frontier in case of conflict.
 
They could encourage settlers from the Scandanavian countries, or some Alpine guys

Butterflies dude. Theres no guratee of the Russo-Japanese war
Yeah true. Butterflies are very powerful, given how interconnected nations were in the 19th century (compared to previous centuries) even such a small change as this could butterfly Russo-Japanese War and the World Wars (not saying there won't be a Great War though, it would probably just be different countries on different sides.)
 
Yeah true. Butterflies are very powerful, given how interconnected nations were in the 19th century (compared to previous centuries) even such a small change as this could butterfly Russo-Japanese War and the World Wars (not saying there won't be a Great War though, it would probably just be different countries on different sides.)

It seems so small that the only way I could see it butterflied is if Japan does not care about the mainland and goes after Alaska instead because what are they going to do its not like they will have a strong navy hell they have a population of less then 100,000 if you gave man woman and child a gun that would still not mean enough. They would NEED a protector to keep it the British might be persuaded for control of the southern parts or mineral rights.
 
Last edited:
Top