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Franklin's Secret Plan: Canada Was Almost American!
6 Dec
Summary
- Benjamin Franklin attempted to annex Canada during the American Revolution.
- Franklin's efforts failed due to shifting American priorities and poor intelligence.
- The historical significance of Franklin's Canadian ambitions remains largely forgotten.
Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in American independence, actively pursued the annexation of Canada into the nascent United States. His motivations stemmed from a desire for continental expansion and security, pushing the idea through writings and diplomatic efforts, especially during the Revolutionary War and later peace talks.
Despite initial invasions and diplomatic overtures, Franklin's grand vision ultimately failed. American leaders often prioritized other military and political objectives, such as conflicts closer to Boston and New York, leading to under-resourced campaigns and shifting negotiation priorities. Misinformation from American sympathizers also painted an inaccurate picture of potential Canadian support.
Franklin's concerted efforts to incorporate Canada have largely faded from public memory. This obscurity is partly due to a surprising lack of personal correspondence from the era, leaving historians with limited direct evidence. Furthermore, the narrative of invading a neighboring colony doesn't easily align with the established American founding myth of fighting against tyranny.
