On Canada, U.S., and Trump’s statements

Let’s start with the historical context. Over 250 years ago, during the American Revolution, when the U.S. fought for independence from Great Britain, American troops invaded Quebec, hoping for support from French colonists. However, the French settlers were satisfied with British rule after the Seven Years' War and didn’t support the Americans. In Nova Scotia, the American troops were outright defeated.

The Anglo-American War of 1812-1814 was essentially an American-Canadian war. Against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, the U.S. wanted to seize Canada to secure its northern border. However, in their attempt to advance in Canada, the American troops suffered losses, including the burning of Washington by Canadian and British troops. The war ended in 1814 without territorial changes, and the U.S.’ attempt to annex Canada failed again.

In the 19th century, the concept of "Manifest Destiny" gained popularity in the U.S., proclaiming a divine mission for the United States to expand across the North American continent. Some American politicians and groups actively advocated for the annexation of Canada, viewing it as part of the USA’s expansion.

The topic arose again when Irish refugees fleeing famine and British discrimination launched terrorist raids into Canada. However, these raids only strengthened Canadians' loyalty to the British Crown and fostered greater separation from the Americans. This prompted Britain to grant Canada autonomy and centralize its governance.

In the 20th century, such ideas became increasingly marginal. The Canadian nation emerged as an entirely independent entity. Participation in both World Wars as a separate entity solidified Canada’s identity and autonomy.

In the 1960s, Canada began to embrace a multicultural identity, blending French and English influences and allowing significant autonomy for immigrant communities, including Ukrainians. This multiculturalism became a barrier to discussions about integration with the USA. Over the past 30 years, the idea of uniting with the USA has never garnered more than 10-12% support among Canadians.

So, what about Trump’s statements?

The ideological basis is clear. Trumpism heavily relies on distorted religious concepts of American exceptionalism, including the "Manifest Destiny" concept.

For Trump, it’s symbolically important to demonstrate that the USA can strengthen its influence without relying on multilateral agreements or international organizations. He promotes the idea that "we don’t need NATO or burdensome alliances; we can handle things on our own."

The practical arguments include Canada’s vast natural resources, educated population, and extensive access to the Arctic.

But is this realistic? No, it’s not. Annexing Canada would require outright aggression, similar to Germany’s annexation of Czechoslovakia, which current U.S. institutions, political considerations, and Canadians’ resistance would strongly oppose.

Political integration is hindered by the unpopularity of the idea, cultural and political differences, and Canada’s parliamentary republic (nominally a monarchy) being fundamentally different from the USA’s presidential system.

Trump’s statements about Canada and Greenland are part of his usual “shock rhetoric” to grab attention, showcase his ambitions, and criticize Canadian and European policies. This is pure provocation and kitsch.

Still, the ideological roots of Trumpism often stretch into ideologies where such rhetoric has historically crossed the line. But for now, it remains just rhetoric.

Source

About the author: Yuriy Bohdanov, publicist, and strategic communications specialist in business, public administration, and politics.

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.