I Didn't Know Russia Did This #shorts

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Did you know Russia still owns land inside Europe because of Alaska's strange history? Alaska sits between Russia and Canada separated by the narrow Bering Strait, but until 1867 Alaska was actually part of the Russian Empire. Russia sold Alaska to the United States for just 7.2 million dollars.

[00:00:20]Even more shocking, Alaska is larger than Texas, California. Russia needed money after losing the costly Crimean War. They also feared Britain could easily capture Alaska from nearby Canada.

[00:00:34]So, the United States officially took control of Alaska in 1867.

[00:00:39]At the time, Americans mocked the deal and called it Seward's Folly.

[00:00:44]But Alaska later revealed massive natural wealth hidden under its frozen land.

[00:00:50]Today, Alaska contains huge reserves of oil, gas, gold, and rare minerals. And that's why this former Russian territory became one of America's most valuable states.