Why did Seward buy Alaska?

Answer 1

The state was rumored to have fish, furs, and gold, ad so William Seward bought this state in hopes of finding important resources. However even though in any large purchase like this one there is always the hope of turning a profit there were political reasons that far exceeded potential profit.

North America would not be well served by the presence of Russia on the Continent. The Civil war had seen European intrigue in the affairs of North America and Russian North American claims had credence far south of present day Alaska. Clearing Russian claims in North America was the primary reason for the purchase and the price was a pittance compared to the cost of a war.

Seward's thinking was vindicated over the years and on any number of fronts the economics of buying an Icebox have proven worthwhile. The military costs in defense dollars that would have been involved during the Cold War alone would have bankrupted the US and Canada.

Think of it as the most expensive King Crab dinner in the world served with a coupon good for a six month's supply of gasoline. It was a bargain.