Which state, acquired in 1867 and nicknamed Seward's Folly, is the 49th state of the USA?

Which state, acquired in 1867 and nicknamed Seward's Folly, is the 49th state of the USA?

• A. Alaska
• B. Hawaii
• C. Florida
• D. Texas

Answer: (A)

The main idea is recognizing a historic land deal and how it led to statehood. Seward’s Folly refers to Secretary of State William H. Seward’s purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for about $7.2 million. At the time, many critics mocked the move, doubting its value, which is why the acquisition earned that nickname. Yet the vast, resource-rich territory proved incredibly consequential, and Alaska eventually entered the United States as the 49th state in 1959. The other options don’t fit because Hawaii was not acquired in 1867 and is the 50th state, while Florida and Texas joined much earlier.

The main idea is recognizing a historic land deal and how it led to statehood. Seward’s Folly refers to Secretary of State William H. Seward’s purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for about $7.2 million. At the time, many critics mocked the move, doubting its value, which is why the acquisition earned that nickname. Yet the vast, resource-rich territory proved incredibly consequential, and Alaska eventually entered the United States as the 49th state in 1959. The other options don’t fit because Hawaii was not acquired in 1867 and is the 50th state, while Florida and Texas joined much earlier.