Definition

Proper noun A historical figure: William Henry Seward was a 19th-century American statesman and politician. He served as the United States Secretary of State and is most famous for overseeing the acquisition of Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867, a transaction initially criticized by some as "Seward's Folly."

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • William Henry Seward was a prominent member of Abraham Lincoln's cabinet.
  • The purchase of Alaska, negotiated by William Henry Seward, proved to be a strategic and valuable acquisition.
  • Historians study the diplomatic correspondence of William Henry Seward.

Advanced Usage

• "Seward's Folly" / "Seward's Icebox": Historical nicknames for the Alaska Purchase, reflecting contemporary skepticism about its value.
  • Critics called the Alaska deal "Seward's Folly," but time vindicated his decision.

Variants and Related Words

• Seward: A common shortened reference to the historical figure.
  • Seward advocated for the purchase.
• Sewardian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of William H. Seward or his policies.
  • The senator's expansionist views were described as Sewardian.

Synonyms

• Statesman
• Diplomat
• Secretary of State (referring to his specific role)

Related Phrases

• The Alaska Purchase: The event most associated with his tenure.
• Seward's Day: A legal holiday in Alaska observed on the last Monday of March to commemorate the signing of the treaty.

Noun

1. United States politician who as Secretary of State in 1867 arranged for the purchase of Alaska from Russia (known at the time as Seward's Folly) (1801-1872)