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Seward’s Folly: A New Look at the Alaska Purchase

The Alaska Purchase—denounced at the time as “Seward’s Folly” but now seen as a masterstroke—is known as a key moment in American history, but few know the whole story. Dr. Farrow will give an overview of just what the Alaska Purchase was, how it came about, and its impact at the time. She will also discuss the implications of the deal for foreign policy and international diplomacy far beyond Russia and the United States at a moment when the global balance of power was in question.

Date & Time

Friday
Feb. 17, 2017
11:00am – 12:00pm ET

Location

6th Floor, Woodrow Wilson Center
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Overview

The Alaska Purchase—denounced at the time as “Seward’s Folly” but now seen as a masterstroke—is known as a key moment in American history, but few know the whole story. Dr. Farrow gave an overview of just what the Alaska Purchase was, how it came about, and its impact at the time. She also discussed the implications of the deal for foreign policy and international diplomacy far beyond Russia and the United States at a moment when the global balance of power was in question.

Speaker

Lee Farrow

Lee Farrow

Former Kennan Title VIII Short-Term Scholar;
Professor of History, Auburn University
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Hosted By

Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Russia and Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange.  Read more

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