Seward

William H. Seward was a 19th-century American politician, serving as U.S. Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869 under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. He played a key role in shaping foreign policy during the Civil War, including negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867—an event dubbed "Seward’s Folly" by skeptics at the time. Seward was also an advocate for expansion, free trade, and anti-slavery efforts. His diplomatic skills and vision helped strengthen the nation's global position during a pivotal era in U.S. history.