In 1871 the colony of British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation created in 1867 after much agitation from both Canada and the US.
What might the immediate and long term effects of have been of British Columbia had become a US state/territory instead?
If it was purchased I could see B.C possibly becoming 3 States.
Another question would be: can the US annex Yukon as well?
I doubt that they could annex what land makes up the modern Yukon because that boarder wasn't created until the 1890s when the Alasken gold rush lead to americans makeing claims over the boarder into that territory. Perhaps if the USA annexes BC first then the Canadian gov. will move faster to create new boarders add the territories around BC to Canada but this would then prevent the USA from getting any more land around there. So as far as I can tell a strip of coastal territory is all they'll get to connect to Alaska.Another question would be: can the US annex Yukon as well? They need more than just a strip of coastal territory to connect into BC as well. There are also factors that are needed to allow an American annexation of BC. One of them would be to build a railroad from California to BC (possibly an extension of the American railways), and two: more influx of American settlers and miners into BC and that can easily be accomplished through the Gold Rush they have in BC.
Did you read the OP?
There wasn't any war involved. According to the page on Wikipedia about the History of British ColumbiaIt appears to be "much agitation." From whom? Why didn't this exist OTL but does ATL? How does the US win the war?
Two is even pushing it.
If the Us had annexed BC what would the long term effects on Canada and the British Empire be?
If they don't have BC or Alaska, getting to the Yukon would be extremely difficult for the British. It would be pretty useless to them. Don't see them expending much effort to get it.I doubt that they could annex what land makes up the modern Yukon because that boarder wasn't created until the 1890s when the Alasken gold rush lead to americans makeing claims over the boarder into that territory. Perhaps if the USA annexes BC first then the Canadian gov. will move faster to create new boarders add the territories around BC to Canada but this would then prevent the USA from getting any more land around there. So as far as I can tell a strip of coastal territory is all they'll get to connect to Alaska.
The problem that I have with the US gaining the Yukon is that it was part of the Northwestern territory sold to Canada in 1868 and incorporated in 1870 and was not a separate area like BC or Alaska which the US could annex or purchase without the rest of the North western territory. As well I'm not sure if the government of Canada would be willing to give up any more land to the US if it looses its chance at BC. What situations do you believe would be necessary for the US to gain the Yukon region. Do you think that Canada would be willing to sell it to the US? Also what might the Yukon's alternate boarders look like?If they don't have BC or Alaska, getting to the Yukon would be extremely difficult for the British. It would be pretty useless to them. Don't see them expending much effort to get it.