War in Europe? Threats of Annexation in North America? Surges in Nationalism? - What’s new?

In light of Trump’s tariff threats it may be tempting to throw one’s hands up in frustration. If it's any consolation, for better or for worse, the fate of border and economic security has long been a war of egos and national gravitas. The Corps of Discovery comes to mind during these times. A daring Alexander Mackenzie of British North America overcame family poverty  and personal trials to become a career explorer. He made the expansive, seemingly endless land that was to become Canada quantifiable. Through his successful map taking endeavours, he gave British North America and its friends and foes alike, the outlines to begin dreaming up a settler future for this once elusive land.

To be specific, the interests of the US, France, Spain, Russia and Britain were peaked-and largely for competing interests with the exception of Britain. To the detriment of British North America, Britain had its hands full fighting France during their revolution. This also means that a depleted France had to sell Louisiana (previously owned by Spain) to the U.S. News of the successful expedition piqued the particular interests of United States president Jefferson, Spain (protecting the remainder of their possessions in western America) and Russia -who had Alaska in their possession through previous Arctic expeditions through Siberia.

This breakthrough on the part of a prudent, historically innocuous population, would rouse the audacious spirit of a newly independent USA wading a deep, largely self-inflicted, depression. The Lewis and Clark (aka The Corps of Discovery) expedition began in 1804 and concluded in 1806 with a better understanding of the “unsettled” (by Europeans) lands, its native peoples who lived there and efficient avenues for future trading prospects. This audacity and lack of esteem toward British North America (later to be known as the Dominion of Canada) would culminate during the war of 1812 during the six years war, during which time the US attempted to annex portions of British North America.

To cut a long story short, this war ended up costing the lives of over 20000 people and producing the only instance in which the white house has been set on fire. After everything was said and done, there was no clear winner.

So what are some take away lessons from these events?

1. US identity has traditionally depended on its ability to outdo and surpass others-not excluding populations of closest extraction and at the price of economic strait  

2. Canada has proven to be capable of punching above its weight when push comes to shove.

3. One the bloodiest wars for the USA and Canada ended in letting bygones be bygones and going back to business as usual

Do with this information what you will.