So I've been wondering, do Americans know much about Canadian history? In Canada we're taught a bit of American history.
I dunno, just a little question i have.
French and Indian war. That's about it. What do you learn about America?
>>19601
As best as i can from memory
>Roanoke/Jamestown colonies
>Thirteen Colonies (new england)
>Constitution Signed
>war for independence 1776
>War of 1812 (1814 funnily enough, we invade maine)
>Civil war 1864/Manifest destiny/Alaska purchase
>At some point, spanish-american war happens
>WW1 1914-1918
>Great depression 1930s
>WW2 1939 (US enters 1940)
>Cold war begins 1950
>Korean war 1953-1955
>Cuban missile crisis 1961
>Vietnam War/Civil rights movement 1968-1972
>around 1972-2001 its kinda hazy for me
>9/11
>Then a buncha wars in the middle east.
Thats what i know to be honest
>>20157
When and where did you go to school? I didn't learn nearly any of that.
>>20157
Yeah, that's about as much American history as we learn in school in America, thought probably a bit more in depth for some of them.
I'm with >>19601 on this one though, all I really know about Canadian history is French and Indian war (very limited), War of 1812 (Limited), and Canadian help in WW2 (Limited)
I remember in history class having a side by side comparison of Christopher Columbus' report to the Queen of Spain about how easy it would be to subjugate the natives alongside Jacques Cartier's report to the King of France about the exciting trade opportunities that exist with the natives of the st. lawrence
>french settled lower canada, english settled upper canada
>during 7 years war the french got btfo and the english took over
>most of the people who were against the american revolution fled to canada
>in war of 1812 america tried to "liberate" canada forgetting that it was where all the pro british people went and maybe they wouldn't want to be part of america
>america invades twice gets utterly btfo both times and says fuck it
>canada helped in ww1 and ww2
>eventually got independence from england peacefully at some point
>had problems with Quebecois terrorists in the 70s
>today canada is our largest trading partner
that's about it, oh and mounties
how'd I do?
Most of what I remember was about the French and Indian War, the initial colonization, the types of colonies established in Southern Canada, a lot of jokes about that time the White House got torched, and a bit of WWII
>>19566
Canadian history isn't relevant. Canada doesn't even a real national identity, it's just 99% frozen taiga
>>20421
Bretty good, I think 95% of Americans wouldnt know what lower and upper Canada are or who settled in them
9/10
>>20421
Don't suppose you would know who Louis Riel is? I remember spending pretty much half a semester on the Red River Rebellion.
>American civil war
>Thirteen colonies
>Revolutionary war
>War of 1812 where we burnt down the whitehouse and rekt the Americans although they'll say it doesn't count because "we were British" and their fragile pride can't handle losing to Canada
>Abraham Lincoln, slavery and how blacks illegally escaped to Canada
>How we formed into a unified country on concerns of American expansionism after they developed a strong military post civil war
>Manifest destiny and the Americans hellbent drive to conquer the continent
>How the U.S. helped in WW2
>How the U.S. and U.S.S.R were in a cold war with eachother
I know much more about American history independently, and I'm very cynical about the idea that the United States is our best friend. Along with our slow and steady Americanization following the adoption of classical liberal values identical to America's founding philosophy.
>>20663
>I'm very cynical about the idea that the United States is our best friend
why?
Canada and America have probably the best relationship of any two major nations on earth
OP here
>>20217
Im in a small town in BC. I its not really that relevant of a city.
>>20421
You did well, especially with the seperate canadas and the inhabitants. We technically became seperate at 1867, but we only REALLY became independent after ww2. Good job
>>20504 bruh hockey (Also we invented basketball)
>>20722
>Canada and America have probably the best relationship of any two major nations on earth
Contrary to popular belief, we actually don't. It's a very one-sided friendship that revolves around submitting and capitulating to the United States. It starts off with invading us in 1812, then disputing territories that should be part of British Columbia and Alberta today. Namely Washington state, Oregon and Idaho.
In 1900 the Canadian military had come up with military plans in the event of an American invasion because there were genuine concerns, and on the other side the United States had legitimately drawn up invasion plans.
During the Bomarc missle crisis, Kennedy tried to browbeat and push our prime minister around. Diefenbaker refused to accept the missiles as per an obligation being a member of NORAD. He canceled one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world at the time, to receive them, then realized accepting the missiles were an implication of lessening soverighty. Kennedy spoke to Lester B. Pearson, the liberal opposition leader at a summit between two countries for 45 minutes when he was supposed to see the prime minister.
PM Diefenbaker refused to hit a high DEFCON level during the Cuban missile crisis and Kennedy got pissed off with him for not being his lapdog. Lastly the CIA experimented illegally on unknowing Canadian citizens in the 1950s in the MK Ultra program. This was revealed in the Freedom of Information act in 2001. The program in Canada was lead by a psychology professor at McGill university.
>>20722
And lastly, they don't respect our territorial claims on the Northwest passage. We have subsequently been a vassal state of the United States since Pierre Trudeau's radical reforms in the 1960s, which ironically destroyed most of the differences culturally between the two countries. Pierre Trudeau was a classical liberal with a socialist flavour, and mostly succeeded in turning us into Diet America. Ultimately which us closer to the inevitability of being annexed one day.
>>20950
From what I've heard from Diefenbaker before, he seemed like a total bro.
For you Americans, you have any favorite prime ministers? Or do you know of any good ones?
I have no idea why Canadians like Pierre Trudeau so much. From what I've heard about some of his statements in the October Crisis, those were straight-up dictator level. Was he good for the economy or something?
>>20722
The United States is not our friend. They never have been, and our foundation as a nation-state is philosophically opposed to their existence, and vice versa. Canadian culture has been severely Americanized since Pierre Trudeau's three terms as prime minister, combined with the sheer amount of American goods, services and media we've regularly consumed on a regular basis as a consequence of unregulated free trade, and laissez faire policies.
We have the best friendship in the world because we haven't stood in the way of their interests since Diefenbaker. Not because there's some mutual respect between us. Americans don't give a shit about Canada.
I think we spent a page, maybe, talking about how you unified.
I still don't really remember much. The only important fact is that you became one country and then got your independence, sort of, without really moving out of mom's basement.
>>20950
>>21077
THIS
We pretty much are Diet america, sadly.
>canadian """"""""""history""""""""""
>>21163
>I have no idea why Canadians like Pierre Trudeau so much. From what I've heard about some of his statements in the October Crisis, those were straight-up dictator level. Was he good for the economy or something?
My friend, you have absolutely no idea how bad that man was for this country, and how irrovokably stupid Canadians are for believing the myth that he was the greatest prime minister in our history.
Read "The Truth About Trudeau". It's a book that goes into every aspect about him from his personal life, his beginnings, his beliefs and policies. How much the average Canadian doesn't know is actually depressing.
There's so many negative things about him and consequences Canada faces to this day because of his actions.
>>20950
>and on the other side the United States had legitimately drawn up invasion plans.
this was done as a political game, when congress asked the military intelligence community to draw up plans for how to fight potential future wars such as a war in the Pacific against Japan, a war against mexico, a war in the Caribbean against Germany etc, the civilian leadership was worried about the effect this might have on foreign nations if it leaked that the US had drawn up plans to invade them. So it was decided that a plan would be drawn up for how to invade Canada that could be released if one of these other plans was leaked so the secretary of state could say "oh nothing personal we're just drawing plans for everything, see we even have a plan for a war with canada"
I really don't get why you guys are so touchy about that, why would America ever want to annex canada anyway? I mean yeah timbits are nice and all but that's hardly a reason for war.
>>21246
oh god here come the /int/ shitposters
>>21287
well he did declare martial law to deal with a legitimate crisis then willingly relinquished his emergency powers once the terrorists were in jail
that seems pretty good to me
>Frenchies refuse to be assimilated, keep their own identities (for the best like the worst) for centuries
>Americans get sick of the UK's bullshit and have enough of a spine to become independant
>Meanwhile Anglo-canadians go to live with people they hate because "muh Queen"
Really impressive guys.
>>21292
>I really don't get why you guys are so touchy about that, why would America ever want to annex canada anyway? I mean yeah timbits are nice and all but that's hardly a reason for war.
Because our entire existence as a country revolves around not being you. Our political and philosophical foundations are traditionally opposed to America's classical liberal foundation. We were founded in Burkian conservatism. Not the classical liberalism of John Locke.
Not to mention the fact that we're chock full of resources that we don't exploit, and use mostly as a source of income. Canada has no industry. It just taxes its citizens and sells raw, unrefined resources. If we stopped trading with you, readopted our protectionist policies there'd be more of an incentive to invade us.
You have no reason to invade because you practically already own us
>>21352
>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Canada
THIS CAN'T BE REAL
>>21428
Oh its real. It's just almost nonexistent. You can thank Pierre Trudeau for practically destroying any visible differences between us and the Americans.
>>21379
This polandball comic sums it up nicely
>>21287
I was always curious about how he seems to break the top three in best Canadians of all time. Alongside people like Tommy Douglas, or beating Banting and Best, I just can't see it.
>>21368
Well, relinquishing those powers was the normal thing to do. It was the right thing to do, but I wouldn't pat him on the back for it. If he did anything other than that we would have some serious problems.
>>21498
Tommy Douglas was a boomer stoner from the prairies and founded our communist-lite party. We call them the NDP.
>>21498
Who unironically use social justice as a platform for their social policies.
>>21425
>If we stopped trading with you, readopted our protectionist policies there'd be more of an incentive to invade us.
the fuck are you on about?
the 19th century is over buddy, and imperialism is long dead and buried with it. The reason you trade with us is because its lucrative and creates jobs, the reason you don't stop is because it would hurt the Canadian economy not because your government fears our military.
I can't even believe what I'm reading here.
>>21591
>The reason you trade with us is because its lucrative and creates jobs
It also deprives us of our economic, monetary and financial independence. American business has destroyed almost all of our homegrown industries because of unregulated free trade.
I don't care if McDonalds and Wallmart "give people jobs". The money goes back to the United States. We can generate more jobs on our own instead of relying on megacorporate global expansionism.
>>21591
Renmants of the Harper reign. Don't give them too much attention.
>>21656
>Renmants of the Harper reign. Don't give them too much attention.
Harper was outrageously pro free-trade along with the rest of the conservative party. So is the liberal party. The only party to oppose it were the NDP and the greens.
You have no idea what you're talking about.
>>21425
It's kinda funny actually, I was walking through the library and saw a book whose main idea was how an ultimate union between America and Canada would be the greatest thing for the Western world since sliced bread. I literally can't think of any benefits from that though; Canada would just be inheriting all of America's domestic and international problems.
>>21646
>1876 confederate from britain
>1939 independently join ww2
>finally pretty independent
>become america north
John A Mcdonald's turning in his grave
>>21646
free trade agreements simply remove barriers to trade, they don't force you to trade with us you know that right?
also trade is conducted by companies and individuals rather than governments, none of which are forced to do a god damn thing, and will not do a god damn thing unless its profitable. You know that too, right?
Christ you act like Obama is pointing missiles at canadian tire or something. Ridiculous.
>>21697
I think he meant more this bizarre misplaced nationalism and pointless resentment of america over litereally nothing.
>>21716
>It's kinda funny actually, I was walking through the library and saw a book whose main idea was how an ultimate union between America and Canada would be the greatest thing for the Western world since sliced bread. I literally can't think of any benefits from that though; Canada would just be inheriting all of America's domestic and international problems.
Precisely, and as of right now it would dramatically tip the political balance of power in favour of liberals, democratic socialists and social democrats. As it is, the U.S. faces the risk of becoming a one party state provided more refugees from central and south America make their way to your country. They all come from countries with socialist governments. Canada since the 1960s has been more politically progressive than the United States.
You can see where this would lead to problems. Not to mention the rest of the world wouldn't tolerate the United States gaining an extra 30 million people, plus vast natural resources.
>>21767
"Give me your money nao"
>>21785
>I think he meant more this bizarre misplaced nationalism and pointless resentment of america over litereally nothing.
I don't hate the U.S. My girlfriend is American, and I greatly appreciate the United States, its history and its culture for a variety of reasons.
That doesn't mean I can't simultaneously be critical of it.
>>21785
And its not "nothing". If you've read the conversations in this thread, its very well justified. We're on cordial terms, but lets drop the bullshit and stop pretending we're buddy buddy.
>>21836
that's the thing, your criticisms make literally no sense.
We CHOOSE to trade with eachother because its mutually beneficial to both our economies. Its not "depriving you of your economic, monetary, and financial independence." No one is forced to do anything, they do it because its profitable for everyone.
I really don't understand what you're trying to argue.
>>21913
I like Canada a lot, why do you hate us?
>>22011
Idk, desu i don't hate you guys either. There have been some rough patches, but america and canada are bros.
Also, pleasantly surprised that the threads got 40+ replies
>>21958
>that's the thing, your criticisms make literally no sense.
>>21958
>We CHOOSE to trade with eachother because its mutually beneficial to both our economies.
The people don't choose. The government chooses, and the people have absolutely no idea what they're doing. It's not profitable for us and its never been profitable. It's profitable for these corporations.
Are you telling me American fast food franchises responsible for your obesity epidemic benefits us? How can you tell me your corporate expansion into our country is "good for us" because it generates jobs we could easily produce on our own?
It makes us dependent and reliant on you. If you go down, we go down. It's good for you. It's not good for us. We have lost enough independence and our own cultural history because of American business. Tim Hortons was bought out by an American, the Hudson Bay Company was bought out after centuries. Wallmart destroyed Zellers, and we important 70% of our food from you when we should either be making most of it ourselves, trading less with you, or trading with other countries.
The most corporate-industrial ties we have with you, the closer we get to eventual integration, and believe me. It's entirely possible.
>>21958
We are in your economic and political sphere of influence. Our relationship is good because we don't stand in the way of your interests.
As a Canadian I feel ashamed that I know more about US history then our own.
>>21958
We have literally become Diet America since the 1960s, and its a consequence of globalism. Which America is primarily the source of.
>>22183
>we are in your economic and political sphere of influence
do you guys really think about things in such terms?
canada and america are natural allies whose interests align in almost every area, we're both democratic and have a commitment to freedom and human rights. We have strong trade cooperation because of all that and because its mutually beneficial. Why do you see coercion here?
>>22132
>It makes us dependent and reliant on you. If you go down, we go down.
funny you should say this, I remember when I was living in Canada prior to the financial crisis of 2008 Canadian banks such as RBC TD and Scotia were constantly complaining to the Canadian government about how hamstrung they were by unnecessary regulation and that it was hurting their ability to compete with American banks. The Harper government much to their credit refused to change banking regulations the way Bush had and when the banks in America did collapse Canada's banking sector was entirely spared and TD was able to come in and buy Ameribank, its now one of the largest banks in America.
No matter what you might think you are not a colony of America. And stop blaming American fast food chains for your obestity btw, that one's on you go to the fucking gym.
>>22419
I didn't complain about obesity. We don't have an obesity epidemic. I questioned whether or not all of your disgusting fast food chains were even worth it, and if all of your service jobs you bring in the country were worth our own lack of commercial, industrial and financial independence.
>>22419
>canada and america are natural allies whose interests align in almost every area
We don't have interests in every area. Tell me what these interests are besides the possible defence of the North American continent? Please don't tell me its the defense of Israel, because then you REALLY are going to sound like a Harper supporter.
We are a vassal state. Point blank. Let's not kid ourselves.
>>20157
I don't recall in Canada learning about the Mexican-American war or Jamestown in high-school. Basically, everything had some obvious tie-in to Canadian history: American revolution because Canada is basically a reaction to that, 1812 because it was a war against America, the American Civil War because Canadian confederation was motivated by a fear of a standing US army... I don't think anything without impact on Canada was ever taught. Maybe the US Civil Rights movement, I can't remember.
We tried to invade them in 1812 but Britain apparently remembered They existed and stopped us. They became 'independent' in 1867 or so. They helped in the world wars. And ever since they've become more and more American and will soon drop the facade of being different at all and just be annexed
>>22520
Yeah, i was just kinda listing all I knew, everything up to ww2 was taught to me, and everything above i learned on my own
>>19566
We learn about The War of 1812 in middle school.
>>22515
>Tell me what these interests are besides the possible defence of the North American continent
promoting peace, democracy, and a respect for human rights throughout the world
>>22630
Also making loads of money by having the largest trading partnership in the world.
>>20421
'Upper Canada' (Ontario) was originally settled by the the French. People direct from Britain only settled in numbers in far Eastern Ontario (Kingston and Ottawa areas). Most anglo settlers to Upper Canada were from the United States: a small number of 'loyalists' who moved there immediately after the American Revolution, and a much larger number of 'late loyalists' who moved there simply because land was cheap and taxes low (the American Revolution, ironically, caused taxes there to shoot way up due to war debts, while congressional land grants to fund the war / pay debts caused land speculation to get out of control).
The Americans weren't foolish in thinking all these recent American settlers in Upper Canada could be brought easily over to their side. But they made such a shitshow both militarily in in terms of PR with the early stage of the 1812 war that the population turned vehemently anti-American (something they hadn't been at the war's outbreak).
>>22694
>the American Revolution, ironically, caused taxes there to shoot way up due to war debts
the taxation part was never the issue, it was the no representation part that was the bigger deal
I don't remember being taught anything about Canada, and I'm in a state that borders it. Something about NAFTA?
Maybe I'm just not a good student.
>>22630
>promoting peace
Canada is not interested in intervening in global conflicts
>>22630
>promoting peace, democracy
We are not interested in being the sword of America's imperialistic spread of liberal democracy. We are not interested in being the police of the world.
>>22630
>a respect for human rights throughout the world
It's literally none of our business what goes on in a country 9000 kilometers away. Very big differences here. It's blatantly obvious you're like other yanks with your "we must spread freedom and liberal democracy around the world until there are no non democratic nations left".
>>22630
What is it with you people and your unrepentant belief that democracy is this morally superior, completely infallible system with absolutely no flaws whatsoever?
Why do you insist that you must get involved in every global conflict known to man?
I know Target fucked up and pulled all their stores and that's it
>>22630
Why are you so obsessed with spreading freedom and democracy worldwide? It's not just a caricature or a stereotype. It's actually real.
>>22878
>>22923
>>22839
I guess you're right, maybe there is a difference between us.
Part and parcel to the experience of being american is a deeply held belief that all people have a desire to be free and that government can be a force for good that benefits all citizens equally. It is our mission to ensure that we ourselves are a force for good and help to bring what we have to those less fortunate.
It disturbs me greatly to see that you do not share in this vision.
>>22923
It's American national identity. Jefferson said it best, the "empire of liberty". Essentially taking Enlightenment ideals to their natural conclusion.
canada was founded by a leaf
>>19601
I know we learned about this in 4th grade, can't remember it for the life of me. Can't even remember whose side is on whose and the name seems to give a lot away.
I know very very little about Canadian history. My grammar school was in pobunk Maryland and I was a shit student then.
>>23144
go educate yourself
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Years%27_War
>With the decline of Spain, Great Britain and France emerged as the two main global colonial powers. And with the decline of the Holy Roman Empire, Prussia emerged under Frederick the Great of the house of Hohenzollern as the powerhouse of central Europe. The war opens on the isle of Minorca in the Balleares, where a small British force was under siege. After the disastrous naval loss for the relieving British squadron, war would engulf five continents.
>Though there had been battles and skirmishes in colonial and overseas holdings before, the Seven Years' War can rightly be thought of as the first 'world war,' with conflict occurring in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and in the Pacific. In the campaigns between Prussia and Sweden, it would be known as the Pomeranian War. In North America, it was known as the French and Indian War. In India, the war would draw in the Mughal empire, and would be known as the Third Carnatic War.
73 posts, huh. Really didn't think the thread would make it past 20.
No but I know about white-on-first nations police brutality.
