The Alaska counterfactual prompts an explanation based on Russia's inability to defend the territory against Britain. Selling it to the United States is presented as a way to dispose of a possession Russia expected Britain could seize. The brief follow-up also mentions Russian commercial activity in Hawaii at the Hawaiian monarchy's invitation. It does not settle the original question about southern Alaska and California.
Notable Point · 7:04:14-7:05:12
Russian Alaska's vulnerability to Britain
Alaska's sale is interpreted through Russia's difficulty defending its distant possession.