Module V - Introduction: American Period - Exploration & Economy

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Essential Questions

• 

  Bristol Bay Fishing Fleet ca. 1950's
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  What have been the major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867-present?
• How are the major components of the economy interconnected?
• How is the Alaska economy a reflection of diverse, and sometimes conflicting,  perspectives of the natural landscape? 

Introduction

This module will focus upon the economy of Alaska from 1867 - present.  It will closely follow the text provided in Alaska's Heritage which is found on the Alaska History and Culture Studies website. 

Each section will provide a look at the history of the major sectors of the economy, and will also provide references to the contemporary status of each sector. 

Throughout the module it will be helpful to be attentive to links -- links between components of the economy - links between those components and the environment - links to the subsistence economy of traditional Alaska native cultures, and links between the past and present. 

We are leaving the Russian period, but keep that heritage in mind as the precursor to American resource development in Alaska. 



ENGAGE

$1,025,000 Gold  Bullion - Miner's and
Merchant's Bank, Juneau 1906
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In 1867, what did Americans know about what they had purchased? What, besides the desire to expand America's land holdings, motivated interest in Alaska?  How did the U.S. expect to recoup its investment in Alaska?  What natural resources did Alaska have that could contribute to a sustainable economy?

Few Americans had any real sense of Alaska - its size, the inhabitants, its resources.  But there was considerable interest, by the government and by eager entrepreneurs,  in finding out.

Oil Platforms in Cook Inlet 1967
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As it had in many areas of the American West, the government initially established Alaska as a military district. Military expeditions (and a few private expeditions) were undertaken to assess transportation corridors, climate, topography, mineral and timber resources, agricultural potential, and the number/nature of the indigenous population. 

Head Cabbage, Rickard Ranch
Fairbanks 1923
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The American presence in Alaska began rather slowly, but as valuable resources and transportation routes were discovered in the late 1800's,  a crescendo of migration occurred that changed Alaska forever.




EXAMINE

Explorations by U.S. Geological Survey 1898, Together With

Principal Previous Routes of Exploration

VILDA UAF-G4371 R1 1898 U5 sheet 1

• What were the main reasons for the American purchase of Alaska?
• What were the primary motivations for Americans moving to Alaska in the late 1800's?
• How were the reasons for purchase and the reasons for moving to Alaska connected to the development of Alaska's economy?

EXPLORE

U.S. Army Expedition Members 1898
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The Explorations 
Before getting into an historical overview of the components of the Alaska economy, it would be helpful and interesting to learn a bit about the explorations during the early years of American ownership of Alaska.

This could be considered a nice to know of Alaska history; but like the Russian America period, it is filled with notable characters who contributed to a filling out of the map of Alaska and who identified points of entry for the many aspiring trappers, traders, miners, and camp followers who came soon after.



Ultimately, the development of the Alaska economy was hugely dependent upon the explorers who produced maps, government reports, and personal accounts of their experiences. 

Two chapters in Alaska's Heritage provide a survey of these expeditions and their results.  

Please do a quick read of:

• Chapter 4-1 Americans Come to Alaska

• Chapter 4-2 Overland Exploration

Captain Glenn and Captain Culp,

Portage Bay 1898

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From this introduction to the Americans and their interest in Alaska, the next pages will present a survey of the Alaska economy.  Keep looking for links.  Think cause-effect (or reason - result) and start to record these links with references to historically accurate time and place.  You may even discover chain links of events.  Keep a log of these as you will be asked to use these later.

Member of 1898 Edwin Glenn Cook
Inlet U.S. Army Expedition
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Two Women and Children-Southcentral Alaska 1898; Edwin F. Glenn Cook Inlet U.S. Army Expedition

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EXPLORE SOME MORE.... 
A Quick Leap to the Present 
Before embarking on a look at Alaska's economy in the past, read this synopsis  of Alaska's economy today. As you read, do you notice any similarity between the economic endeavors of the Russians in Alaska and that of Alaskans today?

• AK DCED - ECONOMY

Continue reading......

These links provide more introduction to the Alaska economy today.  Such an introduction should raise the question of the how of the Alaska economy and create an incentive for learning about its history.   
Take a look at these now; note the helpful charts/graphs.  Keep these sources in mind as you move through the next pages.

• Alaska Economy & Resource Development 

• Understanding Alaska: People, Economy, and Resources  

What's Next?
Any introduction to the economy of Alaska should include consideration of the roles of Fish, Furs, Whales and Seals.