Donald Trump and the Founders share a surprising agreement – the desire to annex Canada. Trump’s recent Neocolonial Fantasies during the interregnum highlighted his ambitions for a second term, which included acquiring Greenland, the Panama Canal, and turning Canada into the 51st State. Despite his conviction that Canadians would willingly embrace American freedom, history tells a different story.
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Misconceptions and Misguided Intentions
- Trump’s belief that every Canadian secretly desires to be American is not a new notion. This idea dates back to the U.S.’s early years and has led to significant foreign policy failures.
- The U.S.’s initial attempts to absorb Canada in 1774 during the Revolutionary War showcase Americans’ misunderstanding of their northern neighbors’ desires.
- Despite various attempts to persuade Canada to join the American cause, Canadians remained aloof and uninterested in abandoning their identity for American ideals.
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Persistent Fantasies
- Post-Revolutionary War, the U.S. continued to see Canada as a natural expansion target, driven by ideological fervor and realpolitik concerns.
- Successive invasions during the War of 1812 highlighted the vast cultural and ideological differences between Canadians and Americans.
- Even during the 19th century, territorial disputes marred relations between the two countries, with the U.S. threatening to annex Canada during the 1840s.
- Historical Realities
- From the 20th century onwards, Canada and the U.S. solidified as close allies, setting aside earlier ambitions of annexation.
- Trump’s current desires to integrate Canada into the U.S. echo past misconceptions but are unlikely to manifest militarily.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Canadians are unlikely to succumb to U.S. pressure. His aggressive comments risk fueling Canadian nationalism and could impact future trade negotiations. While Canadians may face economic hardships in the event of a tariff war, their allegiance to Canada remains steadfast. Even as Trump pushes for Canada’s incorporation as the 51st State, the likelihood of this happening remains slim. Lawrence B.A. Hatter, an associate professor at Washington State University, underscores the historical complexities of U.S.-Canada relations and the enduring strength of Canadian nationalism.
