Module V

RESOURCES GALORE!

Essential Questions:

What have been the major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867-present?

The major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867 - present have been:


Oil- The oil and gas industry is the largest component of Alaska’s economy,(AK DCED ECONOMY). Nearly 85 percent of the state budget is supplied by oil revenues.

Tourism-Tourism is also a major sector of Alaska’s economy attracting over 1.1 million visitors annually. The tourism industry is Alaska’s second largest primary employer,(AK DCED ECONOMY). Fairbanks swarms with tourists during the summer months. Cruise buses line the streets as they take tourists to local attractions in the community.

Fishing-The rich fishing waters off Alaska’s coast make it one of the world’s finest sources for wild seafood. Each year nearly 6 billion pounds of seafood are harvested. Alaska is the number one producer of wild salmon in the world and has the only salmon industry certified as "sustainable" by the Marine Stewardship Council,(AK DCED ECONOMY). Folks from Fairbanks have to travel to good salmon fishing spots.


Examine:

What were the main reasons for the American purchase of Alaska?

According to Alaska's Heritage, newspapers of the time gave four reasons why the United States bought Alaska. These were: (1) to maintain Russia's friendship (England's government had been sympathetic to the Confederacy during the recent American Civil War, France had sent troops and set up a dictator in Mexico during the same war, and Russia was a potential ally against either country). Russia has stepped in more than once to come to the aid of Alaskans. The big news this year was Russia's assistance in delivering fuel to the community of Nome, AK. It is always good business to never "burn your bridges."

Another reason America purchased Alaska was to facilitate acquisition of British Columbia. A third reason was to derive economic benefit from Alaska's resources. Alaska has a bust or boom economy. This has been the pattern as people who have come to Alaska go for the gold, fish, oil, whales, or furs until they are dangerously depleted, back off, then find something else of great value to extract. History seems to be repeating itself, you would think we would learn from past mistakes. Alaska citizens love their great land they live in and a steady awareness of the harmfulness that a bust or boom economy can create is helping us to consider pros and cons of more mining or drilling before it happens. The fourth reason America had for purchasing Alaska was to move closer to the markets of Asia. Alaska has provided the United States great positioning in the world to enable them to access different opportunities for trade worldwide.


Evaluate:

I am learning so much about this wonderful state I have chosen to reside in. This Module is packed with great information that gives me a clear picture of how Alaska has evolved to where we are now. Next module, I am going to give pictures and links a shot. I think I have the breaks in the paragraphs down.