Why was Seward’s purchase of Alaska viewed as a “folly” by many Americans? How did the
speech of Mr. Washburn show opposition to the purchase of Alaska?
Reactions to the purchase in the United States were mostly positive, as many believed possession of Alaska would serve as a base to expand American trade in Asia. Some opponents labeled the purchase as "Seward's Folly", or "Seward's Icebox", as they contended that the United States had acquired useless land.
