William Henry Seward

Definition

William Henry Seward was a prominent American politician and Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, serving from 1861 to 1869. He is best known for his role in expanding the United States' territory, notably through the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, which was initially criticized but later hailed as a significant achievement in American expansionism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Seward was an advocate for the abolition of slavery and played a key role in shaping the Republican Party's policies during the Civil War.
2. He was instrumental in foreign diplomacy, including managing relations with Britain during the Trent Affair, which nearly brought the U.S. into conflict with Britain.
3. Seward's vision for American expansion included not only Alaska but also interests in the Caribbean and Central America, emphasizing America's role as a global power.
4. His tenure saw significant developments in the U.S. navy and military strategy, contributing to America's growing presence on the world stage.
5. Despite facing criticism for some of his policies, including the Alaska Purchase, Seward is now recognized as a visionary leader who helped shape modern America.

Review Questions

• How did William Henry Seward's views on expansionism influence U.S. foreign policy during his time as Secretary of State?
  • William Henry Seward's views on expansionism significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy as he pushed for territorial growth and greater American influence abroad. His advocacy for the Alaska Purchase exemplified this commitment, positioning the U.S. as a burgeoning power on the global stage. Seward's belief in Manifest Destiny also led him to support various initiatives aimed at increasing American presence in both the Caribbean and Central America.
• Discuss the political challenges Seward faced while advocating for the Alaska Purchase and how he overcame them.
  • Seward encountered considerable political challenges when advocating for the Alaska Purchase, including skepticism from Congress and public criticism dubbing it 'Seward's Folly.' To overcome these obstacles, he emphasized Alaska's potential resources and strategic importance, ultimately securing support through effective diplomacy and leveraging the geopolitical context of post-Civil War America. His persistent campaigning helped shift public opinion and Congress’s support toward recognizing Alaska's value.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of William Henry Seward's policies on American territorial expansion and international relations.
  • The long-term impact of William Henry Seward's policies on American territorial expansion and international relations is profound, as his vision laid groundwork for future U.S. imperialism. The successful acquisition of Alaska opened doors for further exploration and resource exploitation, contributing to America's economic growth. Additionally, Seward's diplomatic efforts established a framework for future American engagement with foreign nations, influencing how the U.S. would approach international relations well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Alaska Purchase: The acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, which Seward strongly advocated and is often referred to as 'Seward's Folly' due to initial skepticism about its value.

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War that declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory, which Seward supported and helped to promote.

Expansionism: The policy of territorial or economic expansion, which was a significant theme in Seward's political career and influenced U.S. foreign policy during his time.