Alaska: A History

by Claus M. Naske, Herman E. Slotnick

The largest by far of the fifty states, Alaska is also the state of greatest mystery and diversity. And, as Claus-M. Naske and Herman E. Slotnick show in this comprehensive survey, the history of Alaska’s peoples and the development of its economy have matched the diversity of its land- and seascapes. A History begins by examining the region’s geography and the Native peoples who inhabited it for thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived. The Russians claimed northern North America by right of discovery in 1741. During their occupation of “Russian America” the region was little more than an outpost for fur hunters and traders. When the czar sold the territory to the United States in 1867, nobody knew what to do with “Seward’s Folly.” Mainland America paid little attention to the new acquisition until a rush of gold seekers flooded into the Yukon Territory. In 1906 Congress granted Alaska Territory a voteless delegate and in 1912 gave it a territorial legislature. Not until 1959, however, was Alaska’s long-sought goal of statehood realized. During World War II, Alaska’s place along the great circle route from the United States to Asia firmly established its military importance, which was underscored during the Cold War. The developing military garrison brought federal money and many new residents. Then the discovery of huge oil and natural-gas deposits gave a measure of economic security to the state.  A History provides a full chronological survey of the region’s and state’s history, including the precedent-setting Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, which compensated Native Americans for their losses; the effect of the oil industry and the trans-Alaska pipeline on the economy; the Exxon Valdez oil spill; and Alaska politics through the early 2000s.

Genres: History

520 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2011

Reviews

[Dylan Schouppe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me a long time. It's pretty dry and academic. There is little narrative or insight. It's a good overview of Alaska's history for those interested enough in enduring the writing style.

[R.J. Gilmour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naske & Slotnick's book while offering a history of the largest state, Alaska is also designed as a textbook for any course on Alaska's history. While the main focus of the book is historical Alaska, after contact with Europeans, there is small introduction to the Indigenous peoples. The lack of attention to the early peoples & a discussion of Alaska's unique geography, which determines so much of its history is the only shortcoming of this large project. It is a great primer for anyone interested in learning about the history of America's last frontier.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview and step by step account especially of the journey towards statehood, oil exploration and the associated legal / fiscal ramifications. Can certainly not be accused of taking readability into any kind of special consideration.

[Christopher Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read, never knew a lot of the history explained in this book. Very interesting information on a less known state history.