Quote Originally Posted by Edgar View Post
The presence of Russians in California was minimal with only some few trading posts established. The most prominent and most famous of such trading posts was Fort Ross, which was also the most southern Russian trading post in North America. Russian America - or Alaska, as it is known today - on the other hand was fully integrated in the Russian Empire.

Neither trading posts nor colony were very profitable as the cost of transport and shipping was too high due to the large distances between the Russian mainland and the oversea colony. Also, the Spanish was moving into North America from the south, establishing towns, missions and forts south of Fort Ross, diminishing the possibilites of further Russian expansion southward. This resulted in Fort Ross being abandoned in 1842.
The colony lasted a little longer though, although it is worth noting that the Russians never fully colonized the interior, but mostly stayed close to or on the coast. While the Russians had had a monopol on fur trading - the primary industry in Russian America - non-Russian companies moved into the region during the 1830s, although outside of Russian territory, with the Hudson's Bay Company in the lead, creating competition. Eventually, these companies were also allowed to sail in Russian waters, which only increased the competition even more. By the 1860s, the British had settled firmly in British Columbia, and the Russians realized that if disputes rose between the two parties, it wouldn't be difficult for the British to capture the Russian territory. Therefore, the Russians made a quick move after the American Independence War, and sold all of the Russian territory to the Americans in 1867, which meant a definite end to Russian presence in North America.

I have got my hands on a book called "Russians in Alaska: 1732 - 1867" by Lydia T. Black. I haven't gotten to read it yet, but the subject sure is interesting. Wikipedia has got quite a lot information on the subject as well, if you want some free information.
I think russian emporer were unable to cover all it's ground, because there were no means of transports and all those facilities needed for strong hold on Alaska. while America was devloping nation on other hand after their independace. was their any kind of warfair.