Presidents of the Alaskan Republic
1895-1911: Joseph von Tempsky
1895: Proclaimed President by the Declaration of Independence
1899: Ran unopposed
1903 def.
1907 def.
-son of famed Buenaventura's Wars > Buenaventuran War of Independence (1864-7) hero Gustavus
-served as Alcalde of San Francisco based on his parentage
-however, corruption scandals happened, career ruined
-with Klondike Gold Rush, makes way for it, moves to Sakagsk, part of first wave which forces Russian troops there to make way
-does very well, takes part in other rushes there
-when dissent at Russian mining control laws turns to rebellion, Joseph von Tempsky is inevitable with his experience to become leader
-although elected leader by a farcical gathering in a tavern
-following War of Independence is farcical affair of skirmishes
-because Russian troops packed in Russo-Chinese War (1893-9), not that many Alaskan settlers
-repeatedly forced to flee to Columbia for safety due to repeated attacks from Russian forces
-seen to conclusion in 1898
-as president, begins process of building railroads - first step in debt which eventually collapses Alaskan government
-railroad from Sakagsk to [Whitehorse]finally completed
-along with some others to connect Alaska more fully, with one to [Circle City]
-very expensive, Alaska begins to accumulate debt
-rise of immigration from Russo-Chinese War (1893-9) which he freely accepts
-so long as they swear an oath of loyalty
-sees Alaska turn rather more Russian than it's ever been as a result
-Tempsky having made an ample fortune (skimming), he chooses to retire
-and after the depths of his economic mismanagement become clear, he fucks off to San Francisco with his money
1911-1919: William Blamey
1911 def.
1915 def.
-Recessions > Panic of 1911 sees its impacts on Alaska come
-as loans administered as part of modernization come due
-forces the government of Alaska to sell a whole bunch of bonds to keep its economy afloat and avoid a default
-essentially spends his whole term trying to avoid an economic collapse
-fails and in 1916 declares his intentions to default on debt
-results in British fleet storming its way to Mednovtsy and forcing him to come to terms
-in 1918 promulgates treaty which formulates a confederation with Columbia
-in return for a bailout
-putting an end to Alaska's sovereignty