Benjamin Franklin’s Forgotten Mission: Annexing Canada
Long before the political debates and headlines surrounding former President Donald Trump’s interest in Canada, one of America's founding fathers embarked on a somewhat similar ambition during the Revolutionary era. Benjamin Franklin, renowned for his diplomacy and unyielding vision for the fledgling United States, once attempted to bring Canada into the American fold.
Unearthing a Lost Chapter in North American History
Historian Madelaine Drohan, who transitioned from a celebrated journalism career to academia, uncovered this largely overlooked episode in her recent book, He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin’s Failure to Annex Canada. Now a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Drohan shares the nuances of Franklin’s 1776 mission to persuade French Canadians to join the American Revolution.
During a visit to Montreal, Drohan stumbled upon a portrait of Benjamin Franklin at the Château Ramezay museum — an odd sight for Quebec’s history if one assumes Canada and the United States always operated separately. A small plaque revealed that Franklin had indeed been in Montreal on an important mission, challenging prevailing perceptions of the period.
The Context of 18th Century Canada
At the time, the region known as Canada was predominantly inhabited by an estimated 65,000 to 100,000 French Canadians. This territory, formerly New France, had come under British control in 1760, after the Seven Years’ War. English-speaking residents were few, mainly merchants who migrated northward from the American colonies, hopeful the region's governance would resemble what they had left behind.
Interwoven into this demographic were around 100,000 Indigenous peoples—diverse nations with distinct cultures and alliances who played crucial roles in shaping the continent’s destinies.
Franklin’s Diplomatic Endeavor: More Than Just Politics
Franklin’s appeal to the French Canadians was more than a calculated expansionist policy; it embodied the revolutionary spirit that sought to unify disparate peoples under shared ideals of liberty and self-governance. His mission, however, confronted complex social and cultural realities. The French Canadians, deeply rooted in their traditions, language, and Catholic faith, viewed the predominantly Protestant revolutionaries with skepticism.
Moreover, British authorities’ grip and promises of protection further dissuaded a mass defection. Franklin’s failure to secure Canadian allegiance highlights the limits of revolutionary enthusiasm when confronted with entrenched identities and loyalties.
Why This History Matters Today
This episode reframes our understanding of North American history, illustrating that the border between Canada and the U.S. was never predestined to be impermeable or static. It paints a picture of a dynamic continent where ideas, alliances, and ambitions transcended geography.
In contemporary political discourse—especially with figures like Donald Trump suggesting informal or formal annexation ideas—Franklin’s experience offers a cautionary tale about the complexities of national identity, sovereignty, and the challenges inherent in uniting distinct populations.
Critical Questions Moving Forward
- How do cultural and linguistic differences continue to shape political relationships between neighboring countries?
- What lessons can policymakers learn from Franklin’s unsuccessful mission when considering modern border or integration debates?
- In what ways does highlighting shared history enhance or complicate contemporary U.S.-Canada relations?
Editor’s Note
Benjamin Franklin’s attempt to annex Canada underscores an often-overlooked facet of North American history—one that challenges the notion of fixed national borders and identities. As we reflect on this episode, it invites us to consider the enduring influence of culture, history, and identity in shaping geopolitical realities. For readers, this story serves as a reminder that behind today’s political headlines lie deep historical currents that continue to shape our present and future.
Understanding such narratives enriches public discourse by grounding it in complexity and empathy, crucial for addressing ongoing questions about national sovereignty, integration, and cross-border cooperation.
