Would it be possible for a *Welland Canal (either French or British) to be open by the 1780's? What would be the effect on the subsequent development of North America? I'm thinking this would tie both side of the Great Lakes securely to *Canada, with perhaps a search for the headwaters of the Missippi for a warm water outlet to the area. The Untied States, if they achieve Independence, could be confined to the east of the Appalachians