The Greatest Trade of All Time

On its way to becoming the world’s greatest superpower, the United States pulled off some truly remarkable trades. Two notable transactions come to mind and were both outstanding bargains. • The Louisiana Purchase (purchased from the French) • Alaska (purchased from the Russians) For a mere $15 million, America instantly doubled its size with the 1803 purchase of the Louisiana territory.1 Sixty-four years later, oil-and mineral-rich Alaska was obtained for a paltry $7.2 million.2 Even adjusting for inflation, the combined value of these deals in today’s dollars would be very small.