In
the 18th century the Russian Government (1 — sent) Vitus Bering to
explore the lands behind Russia. One day Bering (2 — discovered) the
strait which (3 — separates) North America from Asia. It (4 — was named) after
the discoverer. On a later voyage Bering (5 — saw) the mainland of
North America. This discovery (6 — gave) Russia its right to Alaska.
Bering (7 — had died) before he (8 — could) take the good news back to Russia.
But Chirikov and some other men of Bering's expedition (9 — had come) back.
The Russians (10 — explored) the North American continent as far north as
the Arctic Ocean. Others (11 — made) settlements or (12 — built)
trading posts as far south as Northern California. Not long before G.
Washington (13 — became) President of the US, the Russians (14— had made) a
settlement in Alaska. For more than a hundred years trade (15 — was being carried)
on between Russia and Alaska. During this time people from the US (16 —
became) interested in this far northern territory. Some American ships
(17 — sailed) to the Arctic Ocean to fish. Others (18 — were trading) with
Russian settlements. In 1867 the USA (19 — bought) Alaska. It (20 — was sold)
for a little more than seven million dollars.
Alaska (21 — is) the largest of all the states of the USA. It (22 — is)
rich in minerals. There (23 — are) large forests, many animals and much
fish there.