Q&A · 4:19:47-4:25:05

A second American invasion of Canada after the Rideau Canal

In 1832 the United States had future potential but not yet the army, industry, and transport system needed for a successful renewed war against Britain in Canada.

Question

What if the United States embraced Manifest Destiny and invaded Canada again after the Rideau Canal opened?

Short answer

A war in 1832 would probably go badly for the United States, which had not yet developed the army, industry, or infrastructure of its later expansion.

Notes

The Rideau Canal's completion places this proposed invasion in 1832. The panel expects it to go badly for the United States because its later military and industrial capacity had not yet developed. It distinguishes future potential from the army, transport infrastructure, and production actually available at the time. Possible territorial losses include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and parts of New York, especially if those areas serve as invasion routes. A humorous account of Maine trading with either side during the War of 1812 complicates the assumption of uniform local resistance. These are speculative consequences, and a defeat would also change the starting conditions for the Mexican-American War and Civil War.