William H. Seward

William H. Seward was an American politician and statesman who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson from 1861 to 1869. He is best known for his role in the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, often dubbed "Seward's Folly," which secured a vast expanse of land for the U.S. Seward was also a key figure in the abolitionist movement and advocated for various reforms, including the abolition of slavery. His vision for American expansion and diplomacy significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy in the 19th century.