Alaska's historic ties to Russia in the spotlight
Alaska's historic ties to Russia in the spotlight
Alaska was purchased from Russia during the Andrew Johnson administration in 1867. War had left the Russians hungry for cash, and they sold Alaska for the equivalent today of 45 cents an acre. “CBS Evening News” co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Read the full article on CBS World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate regarding the historical sale of Alaska. The claim about the price per acre is plausible, though difficult to verify precisely without knowing the exact conversion rate to today's currency. The article exhibits a slight bias by focusing on the Trump-Putin meeting, which is not directly related to the historical facts.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Alaska was purchased from Russia during the Andrew Johnson administration in 1867.
- Verification Source #2: The Times of India article mentions Alaska's history with Russia in the context of a potential Trump-Putin meeting.
- Verification Source #4: Business Standard also mentions Alaska's Russian ties in relation to a Trump-Putin meeting.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: War had left the Russians hungry for cash, and they sold Alaska for the equivalent today of 45 cents an acre.
- Verification Source #2: The Times of India article states that Alaska was 'once sold for $7.2 million'.
- Assessment: Mostly Supported. The $7.2 million figure is verifiable. The 45 cents an acre is a derived calculation that is plausible but not directly confirmed by the provided sources. The reason for the sale is also plausible.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Times of India article confirms the sale of Alaska by Russia.
- Business Standard article links Alaska's Russian history to international relations.