Imagine you are a member of Congress in 1867 and debating William Seward's proposal for the purchase of Alaska. You are asked to explain how you plan to vote on the proposal. Prepare a speech of 350 words explaining either your support for or opposition to the proposal.

In Favor of the deal, Alaska would offer more land and opportunities to America, her economy, and her markets. Alaska is also another part of America being able to spread her influence and share democracy with new parts of the world. Remember, we are the greatest nation that everyone wants to join, because they can live free and create their own path. Also the purchase of Alaska would weaken our rivals, Britain and Russia, who have long held sway in the region. Anythimg that can be done to weaken them is always good.

Against the deal, Alaska had nothing to offer. It has little useful land and is covered in ice a majority of the time. Who would truly want to live there?! The $7 million dollars proposed could be used toward something else, anything else that would be of greater impact to the American people than a few frozen acres.