British Treatment of a Disunited America?

Hey Guys,

As we (should) all know, in OTL the USA gained independence from Britain and then proceeded to form the 'USA', a federal democracy. But, what if, through some odd turn of events, the rebellious colonies never united after the War of Independence? What if the land occupied by OTL US in that time was occupied by numerous different republics each with their own internal divisions, though some may in fact unite (i.e. New England). Also the 'Indian Territory' would probably be de jure independent with the new republics sending their natives there, while the British may have some de facto control over it to protect it perhaps. But alongside this, as the OTL colonies had, each republic has certain claims on land that other colonies may occupy, or there may be other forms of devision between these 'disunited states' (i.e. Trade). Also, we'd probably see the republics delve back into their old ways of not really helping each other out unless if it's desperate (i.e. War of Independence).

Now, in this thread I'm not asking what effect this would have in the future and internationally, I'm asking how the British may in fact treat these divided republics. Obviously North America (and most likely all the Americas) would be heavily under British influence, without a large, united and well-populated nation on the Americas to counter-act British influence, alongside no-one in Europe really being able to question Britain (except the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars perhaps). So how would Britain treat these republics? Could we see Britain treating them a little like how they treated Europe? In the sense of, not to have one republic gain dominance over the others, but keep a stable status quo among them. When one (most likely Virginia due to it's territorial size and population) gets a little too domineering Britain could step in, set up trade restrictions on the nation and blockade it. Perhaps even go to war to keep the stability? This, in a sense, would allow Britain to dominate through trade (overseas and from Canada). Obviously I can see Britain taking advantage of the new-born republics weakened states and press forward any territorial claims they have (such as in Maine).

What are your thoughts? If anyone disagrees with me please do put your thoughts forward, I'd be very interested to hear any opinions on this matter. Thank you.
 
The relationship will evolve over time, but I'm seeing an unholy combination of the African and Continental policies. Even in OTL the US was basically treated like trash by the Europeans for the first few years-hell, the French were ready to get the spoils of their victory over Britain. Most border disputes that in OTL went to the US will go to the Europeans, if for no other reason than that there won't be any one state o negotiate with. Some interesting Western states might pop up, but the Brits will probably be able to keep the continent divided.
 
Sounds pretty interesting. I assumed that Great Britain would simply re-conquer them, but that would be much more boring than deliberately keeping any republic from dominating.

I think Britain would want to split up Virginia to maintain the balance. Perhaps this TL would also have a West Virginia?
 
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