Who Was Responsible For Alaska Dbq Essay

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The Crimean War, the continuous battles with other European powers, the distance from the main political centers: all of these factors raised questions about the security of Russian America. The Russian Imperial government thought of ways to resolve this dilemma, especially considering whether the Alaskan possessions were a liability or not. It was then decided that the best course of action would be to sell Russian America and to concentrate in the Siberia and Asia. As soon as said information became public, the interest of the United States was quickly stated. The sale of Alaska had to wait until the end of the American Civil War, the transfer of power ceremony taking place at Sitka on October 18, 1867. Most of the Native Alaskan populations …show more content…

These societies are characterized by the obligations that the individuals feel toward the group. The group may refer to the family nucleus, the clan, tribe, neighbors, or even the occupation being held. Neuliep discusses this when he mentions that the “person’s identity is defined by his or her group membership … collectivistic values and beliefs are consistent with and reflect those of the in-group.” He goes on to mention how in collectivistic societies the primary value is the harmony with others and social reciprocity. Alaskan Native societies are a prime example of this. The cultural and societal influence of the Europeans, and then, of the American settlers, provided a blow to the Native Alaskan way of living. The cultural impact suffered by the Native populations was reflected in how they continued to act toward each other. Even though it was not sudden, family cohesion, kinship, and spiritual and educational practices, were deeply affected by the arrival of outsiders. These changes gradually impacted Native Alaskan collectivism, which until then had been fundamental for the survival of society. This was a society where family survived in clans, the elderly had a place of privilege in the family nucleus, and the main contacts between individuals took place face to face. The Native Alaskan had a clear understanding about the value of the land and its natural resources, and appreciated them from a communal point of view. The changes brought forth by the arrival of the white settlers caused a crisis in the identity of the Native people, and a lasting impact in their society. The Native Alaskans saw themselves deprived of the provider role which had been played by their ancestors, which led to a physical and emotional struggle to find a place to belong, far from the feelings of grief, despair, and anger. The stress caused by the negative

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