Causes that led Russia to sell Alaska in 1867

In 1867 Russia sold its only overseas colony on Alaska to United States of America for 7.2 million dollars. This event had been preceded by negotiations with the Americans as well as by debate in Russian politics which have led to the decision to sell. Development of this internal discussion has been influenced by several factors including long-term problems of the colonies, but also current political situation in Russia or in international sphere. In recent years some of the prominent scholars have considered one of those factors or one group of factors as more important than other causes. Aim of this study is to determine if it is really possible to consider one of the causes as the most important. For this purpose this study analyses great amount of various causes and factors, including geographical and demographical problems of the colonies, economic situation in the colonies, political situation in Russia and others. Study also describes development of the internal debate. After the analysis, study ends with consideration that there is no clear evidence that one cause had higher importance than the others. The main conclusion of the text is that whole complex of causes have been essential for the decision to sale and no cause can be certainly determined as the most important