Russia initially tried to interest the United States in purchasing Alaska in 1859, during President James Buchanan's administration. But the Civil War stalled negotiations. Seward, Secretary of State under presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, supported American expansion and was eager to acquire Alaska. However, convincing the Senate that Alaska was an important addition to the United States proved difficult. The upper house ratified the treaty by just one vote.
On March 30, 1867 the Treaty of Purchase was signed in Washington D.C., was affirmed by the Senate on April 9th, and signed by President Andrew Johnson on May 28th. The document was then signed by the Russian Tsar, Alexander II, in May and in June the sides exchanged ratification certificates.
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