Grand Duchy of Alaska (The Many Nations of North America)

The Grand Duchy of Alaska is a grand duchy within the Russian Empire, located in North America. Its independence is a matter of some dispute; although the Russian government claims it to be an 'independent constitutional duchy in free association with the Russian Empire', most observers claim it to be a Russian protectorate.

History
The first Russian settlement in Alaska was founded in 1784 at Three Saints Bay, leading to the formation of the Russian America Company in 1799. For nearly a century, Russia did not fully colonise Alaska, remaining near the coast without exploration of the interior. The population remained small, weakening Russian claims on Alaska, while both distance and overhunting led to a decrease in profits for the Russian America Company. Recognising this, the Russian government began negotiations to sell Alaska to the United States, which were ultimately thwarted by the outbreak of the Veteran Fever in the United States, and the decline of the federal government. Alaska remained an isolated colonial outpost until the end of the nineteenth century.

In 1899, however, gold was discovered in Alaska, following similar discoveries in neighbouring Canada. This increased Russian interest in the colony, and thousands from all around the world migrated to Alaska. Fishing and whaling soon became major industries. Although Russian poverty prevented widespread exploitation of Alaskan resources during the early years of the 20th century the reforms of Nicholas II and the creation of the kulak class prompted large-scale migration to Alaska by newly wealthy peasants. The population swelled to 45 000 by 1916. In acknowledgement of this, Nicholas II removed the colony from the control of the Russian America Company and declared it a guberniya, a province under the control of a Russian governor.

Demands for independence grew during World War II, after the war with Germany taxed Russian resources. In response to local claims for greater autonomy, Alaska was declared a Grand Duchy in 1956, under the rule of the Orlov dynasty. Alaska was a major ally of Russia during World War III during the 1960s, and later participated in the attack on Pacifica during the North American War.