The economy and relations of Rump Canada

[Krases]

As I have done previously, I wanted to present multiple scenarios to discuss. Generally speaking, what would be the cultural, economic and impact of US-Canadian relations if history brought the US and Canada to these borders. There is not specific POD, some might be really early while others could happen late in history. I am mainly looking at modern relationships (hence, 1900s forum).

Ok, so here we go. Scenario 1, Canada is larger with the purchase or seizure of Alaska and the a change in the Treaty of 1818 that is more beneficial to Britain/Canada.

Right off the top of my head, the US loses a lot of natural resources in Alaska and Seattle is also either a major Canadian city or never grows as large.

Scenario 2. The treaty of 1818 is much more advantageous to the US, which gains Vancouver Island and moves the border north to a higher parallel.

I think most Canadian settlements inland are either unaffected or can just move slightly more north. However, Vancouver is either lost to the US or split mostly to the US. I don't know if Canada can build a different Pacific port to the North or not.

Scenario 3. Through either war or treaty, Canada ceases growing very far into Ontario, but keeps its Atlantic possessions and its largest cities.

Scenario 4 Quebec's relationship with a huge USA interests me. Threw in Greenland due to US proximity to it and for no real reason honestly. Yes I realize Newfoundland and Labrador or in Quebec, perhaps ceded to Quebec to make the borders more even. Can Quebec maintain independence next to the US and would it really want to? Or would Quebec seek greater economic cooperation through some level of Union with the US?

 

[Alternate History Geek]

In Scenario 4 Quebec's border should extend further south and west. In Scenario 3 Canada's western border should slope up and to the right, not be vertical. Same for the short vertical border you put in Scenario 2.

 

[Krases]

In Scenario 4 Quebec's border should extend further south and west. In Scenario 3 Canada's western border should slope up and to the right, not be vertical. Same for the short vertical border you put in Scenario 2.

Yeah I should mention this is an approximation due to my lack of longitude/latitude lines to guide me.

 

[Talwar]

1:

-Alaska under-developed/populated compared to OTL; consider OTL Alaska compared to Canadian territories to see what I mean.
-Seattle could be the major city depending on ATL transcontinental railway routes
-Assuming political convergence with OTL, greater Canadian military presence in north and in NORAD during the Cold War.

2:

-Prince Rupert probably main Canadian port; might be capital of ATL British Columbia.
-Nasty job building the railways through northern Ontario/Manitoba
-Less prairie = less oil, gas, agriculture, people out west = more eastern-focused Canada, politically speaking.

3:

-More focus on industry, given lack of western resources
-Smaller population = smaller economy
-Much smaller anglo population = more cultural protectionism?
-Politically, more equal status between French and Anglo populations
-Maritimes hold balance of political power?

4:

-Quebec more isolated and protective; lacks leverage with USA that it does with rest of OTL Canada.

 

[Corbell Mark IV]

1:

...

4:

-Quebec more isolated and protective; lacks leverage with USA that it does with rest of OTL Canada.

I not to sure about this one.

It occurs to me that this Quebec would be well positioned to make money off of it's huge neighbor.

They would be the only foreign nation within reasonable driving distance, or even short flight time for a huge population.


They could make vast amounts of money off of tourism and financial services.

Depending on the laws of this ATL America, they could do other types of niche economics.

Casinos? Lower tax shopping? Marijuana sales?

 

[Simreeve]

4:

-Quebec more isolated and protective; lacks leverage with USA that it does with rest of OTL Canada.

If there's still an EU then maybe Quebec joins that?

 

[Krases]

If there's still an EU then maybe Quebec joins that?

I don't think the US would really allow that or like that. Quebec would be so incredibly close to the US sphere that it wouldn't happen.

I like the idea of Quebec becoming a major tourist destination. This could have an impact on urbanism in the US if more US cities try to be like the small, quaint and old fashioned towns of Quebec instead of sprawled out car intensive cities. Just a random thought.