Dissidents,Revolutionarys,Idealists,Convicts&People the Tsarist Govt deemed A threat etc are Banished en mass to Alaska pre the OTL sale to the U.S. As A result of Butterflys in this TL, The 1st successful example of Revolution against the Tsar occurs in Alaska&the sale never happens. After Seccession the Bountiful Whale hunts&good Fishing provide the fledgling Country A source of income via export of Fish&Whale products like Verdigris,Lamp oil,Tallow,Meat,Caviar etc To secure Imports of Food&other goods.