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How does Canadian History differ from American History?

Jazmyne Remmer

Well, well, well, my dear friends! You have just hit the jackpot with this question! Canadian History vs. American History – now that's a showdown for the ages!

First, let's talk about geography. Canada and America are both huge countries, but they have vastly different topography. Canada has more forests, tundras, and mountains than America does, while America has more deserts, canyons, and plains. It's no secret that landscape plays a big role in shaping a country's history. For instance, the difficult terrain in Canada led to fur trade and lumbering, while the vast empty plains of America led to agriculture and livestock.

Second, let's talk about politics. Canada and America both have democratic governments, but the way they operate is a bit different. Canada's government is a parliamentary democracy, which means its citizens vote for members of Parliament who then choose a Prime Minister to lead the country. America, on the other hand, operates under a presidential democracy, meaning its citizens vote directly for their leader. These different forms of government have led to different histories. For example, Canada has been known for providing healthcare to its citizens while America has had a more tumultuous history with its healthcare system.

Third, let's talk about culture. Both Canada and America have their own unique cultures, and they've been shaped in different ways over the years. Canada has a reputation for being more polite and reserved, while America is often associated with brashness and individualism. But it's not just personality traits that make up a country's culture. Canada has a strong French influence in Quebec, which has led to a unique blend of French and English cultures. And America's history of welcoming immigrants from all over the world has led to a melting pot of cultures.

Finally, let's talk about history itself. Canada and America have had different histories because they started out as different colonies. Canada was mostly settled by the French and British, while America was settled by the British and the Dutch. This led to different alliances in wars, different political movements, and different ways of governing. For example, Canada remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution, while America fought for independence. Canada also has a history of working with Indigenous peoples, while America has a history of colonizing and suppressing Indigenous peoples.

In conclusion, Canadian History and American History are as different as poutine and hot dogs! There are countless reasons why these two countries have taken such different paths, and we've only scratched the surface. But one thing is for sure – history is fascinating to study because it gives us a glimpse into how a country came to be, and understanding the differences between Canada and America is just the tip of the iceberg!