All three of the provided explanations can contribute to understanding Russia's decision to sell Alaska to the United States, but they each have varying degrees of significance:
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Russia was on the brink of bankruptcy and needed money. - This is a significant factor. By the mid-19th century, Russia was facing financial difficulties, and selling Alaska provided a much-needed influx of cash.
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Russia did not want any territory in North America. - While Russia did not have significant ambitions for Alaska in the long term due to its remote nature and sparse population, this reasoning is less compelling as a primary motivation. They had maintained the territory but were reconsidering its value.
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Russia was concerned the land would be seized by Great Britain. - This concern played a critical role. The British were the dominant power in North America at the time, and Russia feared that if conflict arose, they might lose Alaska without compensation. Selling it to the United States helped ensure that the territory would not fall into British hands.
In summary, the most compelling explanations focus on Russia's financial situation and its concerns over British expansion.
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