In the wake of the Civil War, the United States continued to expand into new
territory and new markets.
Russian ratification of the Alaska purchase, June 1867
In 1867, the U.S. nearly doubled its holdings with the purchase of the territory
of
Alaska from the Russians. During this period, U.S.
economic power grew, driven by new inventions in communication and
transportation that closed the distance from coast to coast, and by a massive
influx of immigration that sparked an explosion of industrialization and
urbanization throughout the country. The combination of high productivity and
the industrial revolution resulted in a production rate that vastly outstripped
that which people in the United States could consume. Following two devastating
economic recessions, U.S. foreign policy leaders focused on finding foreign
markets to absorb excess goods. This renewed emphasis on exploring international
business opportunities resulted in a buildup of U.S. naval forces to protect
commercial shipping and overseas interests.
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