The Russian Empire vs. the Soviet Union - a geographic/territorial comparison

[Farsala]

VGPolyglot said:

Farsala said:

Alaska for example, I don't think they could tax any of the residents there like the other european countries did with their claims.  Of course USA took advantage of that by purchasing it, thus making an official record of ownership, but it really wasn't anyones territory at the time imo other then the people living there.

Well, the UK and the US had both signed treaties beforehand though, recognizing Russian claims:

https://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Treaty%20of%20St.%20Petersburg%20(1825)&item_type=topic

http://www.explorenorth.com/library/history/bl-rusus1825.htm

 

Now, I guess Russia didn't have complete control over the territory, but it was recognized by the relevant parties.

Yep, but what I am saying it was only recognized due to them being European. Being world powers though the US and UK could do whatever they want with any unclaimed non european territory at the time. And with so few people living there, no surprise they could lay claims to it so easily.

It is hard to explain but it is the official territory in the eyes of the world powers, but none of them really had 'control' imo. Like modern inuits are fairly separate from canadians until the Canadian intervention after WW2 even though they both live in Canada.