Published Apr 12, 2021

88: “The Last Frontier:” The Purchase of Alaska and the Klondike Gold Rush

Explore the dramatic transformation of Alaska from a remote territory to an economic powerhouse through the strategic acquisition by the U.S., the gripping tales of Soapy Smith and the Klondike Gold Rush, and the cultural clashes that defined this era.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/History That Doesn't Suck

88: “The Last Frontier:” The Purchase of Alaska and the Klondike Gold Rush

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Clash at Junos Wharf

Seward's Legacy

Soapy's Last Frontier

Skagway's Reckoning

Treaty Tensions

Chilkoot Trail Challenge

Klondike Gold Rush

Gold Discovery Debate

Alaska's Evolution

Klondike Gold Rush

Dangerous Trails Ahead

Gold Rush Origins

Alaska's Political Evolution

Strategic Retreat

Soapy Smith's Rise

Episode Highlights

Soapy Smith's Influence

Klondike Gold Rush

Alaskan Frontier Culture

Alaska Purchase

Related Episodes

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27: The Last of the Founding Fathers

90: Epilogue to the Wild West

89: Closing the Wild West: (Wounded Knee, Buffalo Bill & the 1893 Colombian Expo)

111: The Assassination of Will McKinley & The Strenuous Life of Theodore Roosevelt

21: Thomas Jefferson Presents: Lewis & Clark’s Excellent Expedition

110: Epilogue to the Age of Imperialism

98: Silver & Gold: From Grover Cleveland to William Jennings Bryan & William McKinley

39: The California Gold Rush and the Compromise of 1850

17: Death of a Nation's Father

71: Revisiting the Hamilton/Burr Duel: An Affair of Honor

155: The Life & Times of Warren G. Harding & The Teapot Dome Scandal

38: The (Early) Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

85: Transcontinental Railroad (pt 3): The Central Pacific, Chinese Workers, & The Golden Spike

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88: “The Last Frontier:” The Purchase of Alaska and the Klondike Gold Rush

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Soapy Smith's InfluenceThe story of Jefferson "Soapy" Smith highlights his rise as a notorious conman in the Alaskan frontier and his eventual downfall. His cunning tactics and manipulation of the Klondike Gold Rush era left a lasting impact on the region.

Soapy Smith's Influence

Klondike Gold RushThe Klondike Gold Rush, ignited by the discovery of gold on Rabbit Creek, drew thousands of prospectors to the Yukon, transforming the region's economic landscape. The arduous journey to the goldfields tested the endurance and resilience of those seeking fortune.

Klondike Gold Rush

Alaskan Frontier Culture

Alaska PurchaseGreg Jackson narrates the strategic and geopolitical factors behind the U.S. purchase of Alaska, highlighting its significance in American expansion. He also addresses the public perception and myths surrounding the acquisition, setting the stage for the Klondike Gold Rush.

Alaska Purchase

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