Canada, the Philippines, and Mexico stretch American strategy

An invasion of Canada would give British and Canadian authorities months to prepare, while winter, forts, and border geography would punish optimistic planning. Waiting for summer would improve the weather and give Canada more time to fortify approaches, mobilize defenders, and arm vessels on the Great Lakes. Japan, with British assistance, could threaten the Philippines while Royal Navy control of the Atlantic obstructed American and German movement. Some Filipino opponents of American colonial rule might support a Japanese landing, adding an internal political problem to the distant defence. British and French diplomacy and supplies could also encourage pressure from Mexico on the southern border. The assessment concerns government decisions and military readiness in 1914 and 1915. It also assumes Britain retains more freedom to redirect early-war strength before trench warfare absorbs it.