-
Period: to
The Russian Empire and the Alaskan Panhandle
During the Russian colonization era, the Russians did not establish the borders between the Alaskan Panhandle's eastern front. Mainly Russian travellers travel in the eastern lands and begin to settle along the coast. The eastern coast became a claim fo the Russian Empire because of the surplus of fish and sea otters, which are used for living essentials and fur trade (Farr and Block, 2016). -
Treaty of 1825
On February 28th,1825, a treaty is signed by Russia and Great Britain's representatives to establish a borderline between the land along the Russian and Great Britain border (Gibson, 25). The Treaty of 1825, or otherwise known as the Treaty of Saint Petersburg (Farr, et al., 2016), creates a 54-degree latitude line through the mountains situated across the coast (Macdonald, 31). -
The United States' Claim on British Columbia
The USA begins its claims on the land throughout the Pacific coast along California and British Columbia. The people advocating for President Washington to take the land, of what is now known as, British Columbia (Farr, et al., 2016). -
Crimean War
During the 1850s, a war commences between Britain and Russia. Russia fears the capabilities of Britain, as the British win the war. Russia makes its decision of giving up Alaska in fear of being conquered once again (Farr, et al., 2016). -
The Alaska Purchase
Since the USA purchases Alaska, any further arguments or events are discussed through Great Britain, the United States and British Columbia when it becomes a province four years later (Macdonald, 31). Previous fears Russia has with Great Britain motivates the Russian Empire to sell Alaska to the USA (Farr, et al., 2016). However, conflicts arise when boundaries are unclear on the British and American maps (Macdonald, 32). -
The Alaska Purchase Continued
Russia has main ownership for the land of Alaska; however, the United States purchases it for $7,200,000 USD. The state lines are drawn on a piece of paper, making it unofficial of where the boundaries start and end for the USA (Macdonald, 31). -
British Columbia Joins Confederacy
British Columbia officially becomes a province in Canada. This allows for British Columbia to have a right in the decision-making process on issues in the Alaskan border (Macdonald, 31). -
Official Survey of the Border
British Columbia makes its first call for an official survey to be commenced of the border; however, their ideas are turned away because it was too costly (Macdonald, 32). -
The Findings of the Klondike Gold Rush
This year marks the first beginnings of the gold rush in Yukon (Gibson, 26). -
The Klondike Gold Rush Crisis
Gold is founded in the mines of the Klondike River. Disputes start between Canada and the USA on ownership of the land and how Canada can transport their miners to the region. Canada argues for its own route to the Klondike's and the Pacific fjords (Farr, et al., 2016). However, the USA continues its control and maintenance over the land and did not allow for Canada to be granted their wishes. Canada does not want to continue receiving consent from the USA to cross the borders (Gibson, 26). -
The Klondike Gold Rush Crisis Continued
The Canadian government is unable to send their army to the Yukon without crossing the Alaskan Panhandle. In order for them to navigate across the border, the USA needs to grant them permission. Since Canada wanted to grow apart from the USA's control, they propose an arrangement to construct a railway, so there are only contacts between the Yukon and British Columbia. The Senate dismisses Canada's ideas and offers them a different opportunity, such as the Lynn Canal (Gibson, 26). -
The Lynn Canal Port
The alternative option the Senate gives Canada was to own a part of the Lynn Canal Port. Clifford Sifton, the Canadian Minister of the Interior, considers the canal to be significant to trade routes with the Yukon peoples. The Prime Minister of Canada and American delegates begin bargaining on who controls the Lynn Canal. During this dispute, Great Britain and the United States join the Joint High Commission group in attempts to settle the continuous argument of the Alaskan border (Gibson, 27). -
Joint High Commission Tribunal
During April of 1899, the United States' Joint High Commission reestablish their idea of having an even-numbered tribunal to appear when conversating on the settlement for Alaska (Gibson, 30). -
Compromising for Canada
During July, the USA settles for Canada to be granted a half a square mile of the Lynn Canal area. However, in return, the United States continues to control the border of Canada (Gibson, 30). -
The Beginning Settlement for the Alaska Border
On January 24th, 1903, an arbitration is called in order to settle to Alaskan boundary conflict. A tribunal is held to decide the final decision on who obtains Alaska. The tribunal consists of the majority of votes by all members who commit to the final decision (Gibson, 34). -
The Canadian Tribunal
Canada choose their delegates to represent the British and Canadian governments. Their representatives that are appointed are Lord Alverstone, Mr. Justive Armour of the Supreme Court of Canada and Sir Louis Jetté (Gibson, 34). -
Preparation of Settlement
Between the spring and summer months, each country commences its preparations for their cases on the settlement of the Alaskan border (Gibson, 34). -
Tribunal Commencement
Starting from September of 1903 until October 1903, the cases prepared by each country is presented to the tribunal for the hearing of Alaska. The tribunal takes place in Londo, England. The hearing of the arguments continued until October 8th, 1903 (Gibson, 34). -
The Final Agreement
October 20th is the day the USA defeats Canada in the Alaskan boundary dispute as America gains the desired land. However, Canada has difficulty signing the agreement. Canada feels betrayed by fellow delegate Lord ALverstone when he agreed with America's terms. The loss of the Canadians allow Canada to become independent from the USA and gain control over their own policies. Canada is able to break away from Britain and the USA and begin its won established country (Farr, et al., 2016).
