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.
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.