Watertown NY, By Hans Wilder
New York has long been the focal point of American attempts to bring Canada into the fold, whether through war, politics, or cultural influence. From the War of 1812, when the Empire State served as the primary battleground for invasions of British North America, to modern discussions about a U.S.-Canada unification, New York remains at the heart of the matter.
With President Donald Trump—a New Yorker by birth—leading an “America First” resurgence and strong conservative voices in Canada rallying against globalist leadership, the historical precedent of New York as the launchpad for the conquest of Canada is more relevant than ever.
New York’s Role in the War of 1812: The Unfinished Annexation of Canada
During the War of 1812, New York State was the primary staging ground for American forces seeking to invade and annex Canada. The vast border between the Empire State and British-controlled Canada made it a natural theater of war.
One of the most aggressive figures in this effort was Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, New York’s wartime governor and later Vice President of the United States. Tompkins raised militias, funneled resources to the war effort, and helped coordinate attacks on Canadian strongholds.
Key invasions included:
- The Battle of Queenston Heights (1812): U.S. forces crossed from Lewiston, New York, in an attempt to take Upper Canada (Ontario). The assault was repelled, but it set the tone for future incursions.
- The Battle of York (1813): U.S. forces, including troops from New York, burned what is now Toronto, symbolizing the first serious American occupation of Canadian territory.
- The Plattsburgh Campaign (1814): New York troops decisively stopped a British invasion, preventing Canada from encroaching on American territory.
Had the war gone differently, it is very possible that Canada would have been absorbed into the United States—a goal that many in the early republic considered inevitable.
Other Attempts to Take Canada from New York
New York’s strategic position has continued to make it a launching pad for American ambitions in Canada:
- The Patriot War (1837-1838): After the War of 1812, American rebels and exiled Canadians launched an invasion from New York in an attempt to overthrow British rule in Canada. Though unsuccessful, it was an early sign that many Americans saw Canada as part of their destiny.
- The Fenian Raids (1866-1871): Irish-American militias based in New York and other northern states attempted to invade Canada, aiming to pressure Britain into granting Irish independence. These efforts, though ultimately futile, showcased how American forces saw Canada as a natural target for expansion.
Trump, Canada, and the 51st State Debate
Fast forward to today, and echoes of New York’s historical role in Canadian conquest can still be heard. Donald Trump, a New Yorker by birth and a figure who redefined American politics, has widespread support among conservative Canadians. Many in Canada see Trump as a champion against the globalist policies of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose leadership has been marked by mass immigration, economic stagnation, and heavy-handed COVID-19 policies.
A growing movement among disillusioned Canadians, especially in Alberta and the western provinces, has floated the idea of breaking away from Ottawa and joining the United States. Given New York’s historical role in confronting Canada, it is not hard to imagine the Empire State leading the charge in fostering closer ties—or even full integration—between Canada and the U.S.
Why New York Still Matters in U.S.-Canada Relations
- Strategic Position: New York remains Canada’s most significant economic partner in the U.S., handling billions in trade each year. This economic link keeps the state at the center of any talk about U.S.-Canada integration.
- Political Influence: Trump’s deep New York roots give the state an outsized role in shaping North American policy. Many of the figures in Trump’s administration have ties to the New York business and political scene, further connecting the state to U.S.-Canada dynamics.
- A Shared Future? With more Canadians than ever questioning their country’s direction, could New York once again be the launching pad for a closer U.S.-Canada union—this time through political and economic influence rather than war?
There we have it;
New York’s role in attempting to bring Canada under American control is not just a relic of history—it’s an ongoing theme that resurfaces in different ways over time. From Governor Tompkins’ efforts in the War of 1812 to modern calls for Alberta and other regions to join the U.S., the Empire State remains a crucial player in the long and complicated relationship between the two nations.
With Trump, a proud New Yorker, reshaping American politics and a growing movement in Canada favoring stronger ties with the U.S., perhaps New York will once again play a role in fulfilling the centuries-old vision of a United North America.
Is it time for Canada to become the 51st state? If history tells us anything, New York will be leading the charge.
