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United States absorbing Canada, an idea that has resurfaced with the Trump management, faces historical and political pitfalls.Past attempts at conquest have failed, and cultural and political differences present challenges. Polling data indicates 85 to 90 percent of Canadians cling to their sovereignty.">
United States, Canada, annexation, trump management, sovereignty, political challenges, historical invasions">
U.S. Absorption of Canada: A Perilous Proposition Revisited
Table of Contents
- U.S. Absorption of Canada: A Perilous Proposition Revisited
- The Allure and the Absurdity of Annexation
- the Hard Way: A History of Failed Invasions
- The Canadian Spirit: More Than Meets the Eye
- Conclusion: A Word of Caution
- The Audacity of Annexation: Could the U.S. Ever Really Absorb canada? An Expert Weighs In
- The Audacity of Annexation: Could the U.S. Ever Really absorb Canada? An expert Weighs In
The notion of the United States absorbing Canada, an idea that has resurfaced with the Trump management, faces historical and political pitfalls. Past attempts at conquest have failed, and the cultural and political landscape presents critically crucial challenges to such a notion. Polling data indicates that 85 to 90 percent of Canadians cling to their sovereignty, making any easy integration highly unlikely.
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The Allure and the Absurdity of Annexation
The idea of the United States absorbing Canada, while perhaps intriguing to some within the Trump administration, is far from original and fraught with complications. The idea, reminiscent of a Don Corleone strategy, presents two paths: the easy way and the hard way. The “easy way,” as Donald Trump might envision it, involves Canadians clamoring to join the United States. Though, even this scenario presents significant awkwardness.
One immediate issue is size. Canada is slightly larger than america. This would make the “cherished 51st state,” as Trump calls it, lopsided in terms of territory. It would be 23 times larger than California and 14 times larger than Texas. Messing with Texas is a bad idea.
Furthermore, the new state would also be the largest in population, with 40 million people—more than California, Texas, Florida, or New York. This demographic shift poses political challenges. Canada is a much more left-wing country than the United States, and absorbing it could well revive the political fortunes of progressives. If its 10 provinces became 10 states rather of one, only three would probably vote for the GOP; the other seven would likely go for Democrats. That might mean adding six Republican senators and 14 Democrats. If Trump were impeached a third time, that might produce the supermajority required for conviction in the Senate.
the Hard Way: A History of Failed Invasions
Given that polling suggests that 85 to 90 percent of all Canadians cling to sovereignty, the “easy way” seems improbable. This leaves the “hard way”: conquering the country and administering it as a territory. Though, history offers a stark warning against this approach.
in 1775, even before formally declaring independence from Great Britain, the United States launched an invasion of Canada, hoping to make it the 14th colony.Congress ordered that local farmers and villagers be distributed pamphlets—translated into French—declaring, “You have been conquered into liberty,”
an fascinating way of putting it. Unfortunately, the Catholic farmers and villagers were largely illiterate, and their leaders, the gentry and parish priests who could read, were solidly on the side of the British against a bunch of invading Protestants.
The invasion was plagued by misfortune and missteps. Of the three talented generals leading the effort, Richard Montgomery was killed in the opening assault on Quebec, and John Thomas died of smallpox, along with many of his men. You can visit the capacious cemetery for the victims on Île aux Noix, now Fort Lennox, Canada.
The third general, Benedict Arnold, held the expedition together even after suffering a grievous leg wound. Eventually, though, he grew disgusted with a Congress rather less craven and incompetent than its contemporary successor and became a traitor, accepting a commission as a brigadier general in the British army and fighting against American forces.
The War of 1812 saw further attempts at conquest. Thomas Jefferson, the original Republican, described the acquisition of Canada as “a mere matter of marching.”
this proved incorrect. The United States launched eight or nine invasions of Canada during the War of 1812, winning only one fruitless battle. The rest of the time, it got walloped. General William Hull, a superannuated veteran of the Revolution, surrendered Detroit with 2,500 troops to a much smaller british and Indian force. Court-martialed for cowardice and neglect of duty in 1814, he was sentenced to death but pardoned.
The battle of Chateaugay further illustrates the challenges. An invading force of 2,600 American regulars encountered about 1,500 Canadian militia members, volunteers, and Mohawks under a Francophone colonel, Charles de Salaberry.Thay were defeated and had to withdraw.
Since the War of 1812, formal invasions have ceased, but there was tacit and sometimes overt support for the 1837–38 revolt of the Canadian patriotes, a confrontation over Oregon, and the Fenian raids of 1866 and 1870.The Fenians were rather like the Proud Boys, only better organized and all Irish, and they also ended up fleeing back over the border.
The Canadian Spirit: More Than Meets the Eye
While the Canadian armed forces are relatively small, numbering only about 42,000 including reservists, they are spirited and hardy.158 Canadians were killed fighting alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan.
Canadians may have gone in for wokeness in recent years, it is true, but there is the matter of their bloody-minded DNA. It was not that long ago that they harvested baby seals—the ones with the big, sad, adorable brown eyes—with short iron clubs. They love hockey, a sport that would have pleased the emperors and blood-crazed plebeians and patricians of ancient Rome if they could only have figured out how to build an ice rink in the Colosseum.
Furthermore, there remains the problem of the First Nations, whom they treated somewhat less badly than Americans treated Native Americans. There are about 50,000 Mohawks straddling the U.S.-Canadian border, and they are fearless. As members of what used to be the Iroquois Confederacy, they were ferocious warriors, and they retain a martial tradition. It is indeed sobering to consider that they may think, with reason, that we are the illegal immigrants who have ruined the country, and thus hold a grudge.
There is a martial spirit up north waiting to be reawakened. Members of the trump administration may not have heard of Vimy Ridge, Dieppe, the crossing of the Sangro, Juno Beach, or the Battle of the Scheldt. The canadian soldiers were formidable, as were the sailors who escorted convoys across the North Atlantic and the airmen who flew in the Battle of Britain and the air war over Germany. Canada’s 44,000 dead represented a higher percentage of the population than America’s losses in the Second World War. Those who served were almost entirely volunteers.
The Audacity of Annexation: Could the U.S. Ever Really Absorb canada? An Expert Weighs In
“The idea of the United States absorbing Canada isn’t just a flawed political strategy; it’s a past fantasy rooted in repeated failures and basic cultural mismatches.”
Dr. Anya Petrova,Professor of North american History and Politics
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Petrova, the recent resurgence of discussions surrounding the potential annexation of Canada by the United States has sparked considerable debate. Could you begin by outlining the historical context of this recurring idea?
Dr. Petrova: The notion of the U.S. absorbing Canada – sometimes framed as achieving a “cherished 51st state” – has a long and ultimately unsuccessful history. Early attempts, such as the ill-fated invasions during the American Revolutionary War and the war of 1812, highlight the significant obstacles. These weren’t mere skirmishes; they involved multiple, disastrous invasions, demonstrating the inherent difficulties in subduing a geographically vast and fiercely independent nation.The idea consistently overlooks the profound differences in national identity,political systems,and cultural values between the two countries.
World-Today-News.com: The article mentions the significant difference in political ideology between the two nations. How would this ideological chasm impact a hypothetical integration?
Dr. Petrova: The significant political and ideological chasm between the U.S. and Canada presents a major impediment to any kind of successful integration. Canada, with its more left-leaning policies on social issues and a stronger emphasis on social programs, would fundamentally reshape the American political landscape. Considering Canada’s population and provincial structure,the assumption of seamless integration into the existing American party system is unrealistic. The potential resulting political upheaval and the shift in the balance of power within the U.S. Congress would be immense. Imagine the implications for policy debates regarding healthcare, environmental protection, and social welfare. Such a massive shift would likely trigger significant social and political unrest, making a peaceful absorption highly improbable.
World-today-news.com: Beyond the political aspects, what are the key cultural and societal differences that would hinder integration?
Dr.Petrova: The cultural differences between Canada and the United States run extremely deep. This transcends mere differences in lifestyle; it delves into essential approaches to governance, individual liberties, and national identity. Canada’s history, shaped by French and British colonial influences, differs markedly from the U.S.’s trajectory. This unique historical tapestry is integral to Canadian national identity, one that would be threatened by a forceful absorption. The simple act of attempting forced assimilation would trigger widespread resistance and resentment. Moreover, the issue of indigenous populations and their unique treaty rights and histories present an additional layer of complex challenges that would be further exacerbated by annexation efforts.
World-Today-News.com: The article touches upon the sheer size and scale involved in such an undertaking. How would logistics and geography play a role in a hypothetical annexation?
Dr. Petrova: The sheer geographic size of Canada presents massive logistical and administrative challenges. Canada’s landmass dwarfs that of the lower 48 U.S. states, presenting logistical nightmares concerning everything from governance and resource management to infrastructure development and disaster response. Managing such an immense territory with its diverse ecosystems and far-flung populations under a single management would strain resources and perhaps lead to inefficiencies. The complexities of integrating two vastly different legal and regulatory systems would also necessitate extensive and protracted efforts, further complicating the process.
World-Today-News.com: Given all these challenges, what is your overall assessment of the likelihood of such a scenario?
Dr. Petrova: Based on historical precedent, political realities, and the profound cultural and geographical disparities, the likelihood of
The Audacity of Annexation: Could the U.S. Ever Really absorb Canada? An expert Weighs In
85-90% of Canadians fiercely value their sovereignty. Yet, the idea of U.S. annexation persists. Is this a realistic possibility, or a perilous fantasy?
World-Today-News.com: Dr. petrova, the recent resurgence of discussions surrounding the potential annexation of Canada by the United States has sparked considerable debate. Could you begin by outlining the ancient context of this recurring idea?
Dr. Petrova: The notion of the U.S. absorbing Canada—sometimes framed as achieving a “cherished 51st state”—has a long and ultimately unsuccessful history. Early attempts, such as the ill-fated invasions during the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, highlight the significant obstacles. These weren’t mere skirmishes; they involved multiple, disastrous invasions, demonstrating the inherent difficulties in subduing a geographically vast and fiercely independent nation. The idea consistently overlooks the profound differences in national identity, political systems, and cultural values between the two countries. These historical failures offer crucial lessons about the futility of such an undertaking.
World-Today-News.com: The article mentions the significant difference in political ideology between the two nations. How would this ideological chasm impact a hypothetical integration?
Dr. Petrova: The significant political and ideological chasm between the U.S. and Canada presents a major impediment too any kind of accomplished integration. Canada, with its more left-leaning policies on social issues and a stronger emphasis on social programs, would fundamentally reshape the American political landscape. Considering Canada’s population and provincial structure, the assumption of seamless integration into the existing American party system is unrealistic. The potential resulting political upheaval and the shift in the balance of power within the U.S. Congress would be immense. Imagine the implications for policy debates regarding healthcare, environmental protection, and social welfare.such a massive shift would likely trigger significant social and political unrest, making a peaceful absorption highly improbable.
world-Today-News.com: Beyond the political aspects, what are the key cultural and societal differences that would hinder integration?
Dr. Petrova: The cultural differences between Canada and the United States run extremely deep. This transcends mere differences in lifestyle; it delves into essential approaches to governance,individual liberties,and national identity. Canada’s history, shaped by French and British colonial influences, differs markedly from the U.S.’s trajectory. This unique historical tapestry is integral to canadian national identity, one that would be threatened by a forceful absorption. The simple act of attempting forced assimilation would trigger widespread resistance and resentment. Moreover, the issue of indigenous populations and their unique treaty rights and histories present an additional layer of complex challenges that would be further exacerbated by annexation efforts. These deeply ingrained cultural differences create a significant barrier to successful integration.
World-Today-News.com: The article touches upon the sheer size and scale involved in such an undertaking. How would logistics and geography play a role in a hypothetical annexation?
dr. Petrova: The sheer geographic size of Canada presents massive logistical and administrative challenges.Canada’s landmass dwarfs that of the lower 48 U.S. states, presenting logistical nightmares concerning everything from governance and resource management to infrastructure development and disaster response.managing such an immense territory with its diverse ecosystems and far-flung populations under a single management would strain resources and perhaps lead to inefficiencies. The complexities of integrating two vastly different legal and regulatory systems would also necessitate extensive and protracted efforts, further complicating the process. The sheer scale of the undertaking poses insurmountable logistical hurdles.
World-Today-News.com: Given all these challenges, what is your overall assessment of the likelihood of such a scenario?
Dr. Petrova: Based on historical precedent, political realities, and the profound cultural and geographical disparities, the likelihood of the United States successfully annexing Canada is vanishingly small. The attempt would likely result in significant conflict, instability, and ultimately, failure. the idea of U.S. annexation of Canada is not only unrealistic but also represents a profound misunderstanding of Canadian identity, political will, and the inherent complexities of such a massive undertaking.
the historical record, political realities, and profound cultural differences between the United States and Canada make the prospect of annexation highly improbable and perhaps disastrous. We must recognize and respect the sovereignty of nations and pursue peaceful, collaborative relationships rather than pursuing such unrealistic and potentially harmful goals. What are your thoughts on this complex issue? Share your perspective in the comments below!