The idea that British North America was the product of pure pragmatism is belied by the records of the Confederation debates. See the edited volume by the great Janet Ajzenstat.
She’s also written well about Canadian ideas of liberty in the mid-19th. She argues that the fathers of Confederation thought Canadians were freer than Americans
Very insightful, Patrick. I was somewhat shocked to learn that 70% of Canadians feel uneasy about the future of the country, I did not think that to be the case. Somewhat similar numbers to the US, I imagine.
Fascinating post and lots to think about for the future. I was not aware of much of the interplay between the state and federal level, especially in Canada, that you describe. I think in part many younger people don't really experience much benefit from the federal government and might therefore be more willing to try something new, whereas fhe older generations did experience a time where you could have a steady job, a house etc. Plus I can imagine that lacking a sense of nationhood or some kind of culture or community on the national level could make you wonder why you should be a part of it at all, especially when you are only giving and not getting enough back. In how far or in what cases would you think independence would actually solve some of these systemic issues?
First, my case here is not to defend or promote independence in any way but only to highlight historical trends and why the current conditions might be favorable to a political reconfiguration.
As for the possible outcomes of succesful secessions to resolve systemic issues, as you say, I don't believe it would be sufficient in itself. Once such a path is taken, nobody can predict how it will unfold. New political institutions will most likely be created, others will fall, violence might occur, new alliances might emerge, negotiations will take place, and so forth.
Only time will tell if such an avenue is even possible in North America or if the threat of secession will only be utilized as a bargaining chip.
I've seen these kinds of dynamics play out before, for instance in Scotland, where all this energy for change and fixing systemic issues is sucked into this one cause of independence, which, while possibly giving you more autonomy to make decisions, is not what is going to fix many of those issues. I think what would be more stable is trying to fix the issues as much as you can from within the system, and then when you start hitting the ceiling of what can be achieved within it, you go independent. When the right moment would be is of course highly dependent on context and situation, but I think it would counteract much of the instability and disillusionment that might follow from succesful independence without a proper fix for the systemic issues. Although, come to think of it, I can imagine going for independence could be the answer without following that longer road that I just described, but only if it is part of a broader scope of measures that together tackle the issues, together working towards realising that same vision.
The idea that British North America was the product of pure pragmatism is belied by the records of the Confederation debates. See the edited volume by the great Janet Ajzenstat.
Point well taken. I will look into Janet Ajzenstat.
She’s also written well about Canadian ideas of liberty in the mid-19th. She argues that the fathers of Confederation thought Canadians were freer than Americans
Very insightful, Patrick. I was somewhat shocked to learn that 70% of Canadians feel uneasy about the future of the country, I did not think that to be the case. Somewhat similar numbers to the US, I imagine.
The dystopian novella I’ve been writing for 15 years is slowly coming true…
Interesting times for amateur historians are not necessarily desired consequences...
Fascinating post and lots to think about for the future. I was not aware of much of the interplay between the state and federal level, especially in Canada, that you describe. I think in part many younger people don't really experience much benefit from the federal government and might therefore be more willing to try something new, whereas fhe older generations did experience a time where you could have a steady job, a house etc. Plus I can imagine that lacking a sense of nationhood or some kind of culture or community on the national level could make you wonder why you should be a part of it at all, especially when you are only giving and not getting enough back. In how far or in what cases would you think independence would actually solve some of these systemic issues?
First, my case here is not to defend or promote independence in any way but only to highlight historical trends and why the current conditions might be favorable to a political reconfiguration.
As for the possible outcomes of succesful secessions to resolve systemic issues, as you say, I don't believe it would be sufficient in itself. Once such a path is taken, nobody can predict how it will unfold. New political institutions will most likely be created, others will fall, violence might occur, new alliances might emerge, negotiations will take place, and so forth.
Only time will tell if such an avenue is even possible in North America or if the threat of secession will only be utilized as a bargaining chip.
I've seen these kinds of dynamics play out before, for instance in Scotland, where all this energy for change and fixing systemic issues is sucked into this one cause of independence, which, while possibly giving you more autonomy to make decisions, is not what is going to fix many of those issues. I think what would be more stable is trying to fix the issues as much as you can from within the system, and then when you start hitting the ceiling of what can be achieved within it, you go independent. When the right moment would be is of course highly dependent on context and situation, but I think it would counteract much of the instability and disillusionment that might follow from succesful independence without a proper fix for the systemic issues. Although, come to think of it, I can imagine going for independence could be the answer without following that longer road that I just described, but only if it is part of a broader scope of measures that together tackle the issues, together working towards realising that same vision.