Yes, the Islands were bought by the US in 1917. They had been a profitable colony until the mid 19th century, but became a liability after the abolition of slavery and changing sailing routes in the region. Denmark was thus eager to sell and during WWI USA finally wanted to buy to eliminate the risk of Germany taken them over and using them as a submarine base. The price was $ 25 million, and the deal had to pass a public vote in Denmark.
It may be interesting to note that even though Denmark was late in freeing the slaves (decided in 1847 to take effect after 12 years, but implemented in 1848 due to a slave rebellion in the West Indies/Virgin Isl.), she was actually the first colonial power to ban the Slave trade. A law was passed in 1792 to have effect in 1802, i.e. before the famous Wilberforce had success with a similar law for the British Empire.
Another interesting fact is that after WWII the USA also offered to buy Greenland, but in this case Denmark declined.
The US bougth the US VIirgin islands with 25 million dollars worth of gold
Among other things, Denmark sold the US Virgin Islands to the United States. The treaty of sale was negotiated in 1916 and formal exchange of posession occured in 1917.
The US bought land from France (the Louisiana Purchase) and bought Alaska from Russia. We purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark and the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico. The purchase of Manhattan Island from the Indians happened before there was a United States.
The Virgin islands were under the Danish rule. US purchased them for $25 million in order to aid during the World War 1. Later St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix together form the Virgin Islands today.
American Samoa and the US Virgin Islands.
Yes, the Virgin Islands were purchased from Denmark by the United States in 1917 because of the nearby location of the Panama Canal.
The Virgin Islands.
The US purchased the Virgin Islands (US Virgin Islands) for $25 million USD in 1917. During World War I , the US feared that Germany might establish a submarine base on the islands, threatening Atlantic trade. The islands had become an economic drain on Denmark, and most Danish citizens favored the sale.
St. Croix island is part of the US Virgin Islands and therefore part of the United States. The United States purchase the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917.
The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark during World War 1. The US was afraid Germany would capture Denmark and Denmark was afraid the US would simply take them in that case.
The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark during World War 1. The US was afraid Germany would capture Denmark and Denmark was afraid the US would simply take them in that case.
The United Staes bought them from Denmark in 1917.
The Virgin Islands.
The US bougth the US VIirgin islands with 25 million dollars worth of gold
Puerto Rico is an autonomous region with US privileges. US Virgin Islands are part of the US.
The US Virgin Islands were not gained in the Spanish-American War. The United States bought them from Denmark in 1917, under the Treaty of the Danish West Indies.
The US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and now also Water Island) were purchased from Denmark in 1917.