A World Altered: The Impact of an English Victory in the Revolutionary War

In the 18th century, the outcome of the Revolutionary War between the 13 colonies in North America and Great Britain would have drastically reshaped the world as we know it. This article explores the myriad ways in which a victory for England would have altered the course of history, from the fate of Native American lands to the political landscape of the Americas.

Native American Thriving in the Ohio River Valley and the Midwest

One of the primary drivers of the Revolutionary War was the British policy of restricting westward expansion of the American colonies beyond the Allegheny/Appalachian/Adirondack mountain chain. In a parallel timeline where the British emerge victorious, these policies would have significantly altered the balance of power in the region. Native American tribes would have found themselves in a much more favorable position, thriving in the Ohio River Valley and the Midwest. This would have had profound implications for subsequent westward expansion and the eventual establishment of numerous U.S. states.

Montreal and Colonial Trade

An English victory would have seen Montreal rise to prominence as a key trading hub on the east coast. This was due, in part, to the "intolerable acts" that enforced a ban on direct trade between American colonists and Native Americans, while maintaining free trade for British citizens in Quebec. This policy shift would have allowed Quebec to continue its lucrative fur trade, which would have remained a crucial commodity well into the 19th century. Montreal’s strategic location and economic importance would have given it a significant advantage over other colonial cities, potentially altering the colonial economy and international trade patterns.

No English Canada and the Dominance of French and Native American Tribes

The absence of English support for Loyalists in the post-war aftermath would have led to a drastically different political landscape in Canada. Without the influx of Loyalists into western Quebec, the French and Native American tribes would have dominated Ontario as well as their territories in Michigan, Ohio, and the Ohio Valley states. This scenario would have shifted the balance of power in North America, possibly leading to a less Anglo-centric view of Canadian history and a more diverse cultural and political landscape.

Florida and Louisiana: Spanish Dominance and Expansion

In the event of an English victory, both Florida and Louisiana would remain under Spanish control. Without the American threat, the Spanish would have no incentive to cede these territories. Napoleon’s Louisiana purchase would have been unfeasible, as France was already burdened by European conflicts and the financial strain of wars. Consequently, either France or Spain would have retained control of Louisiana, expanding their influence in North America. Mexico, on the other hand, would have grown to include Texas, New Mexico, California, Arizona, and Colorado, essentially comprising most of the United States that does not lie in the Mississippi watershed.

Slavery Abolition and Population Trends

The absence of the American colonies’ rapid westward expansion would have resulted in a much slower population growth in the United States. This slower growth would likely have led to the earlier abolition of slavery, as there would have been less economic reliance on enslaved labor to cultivate the expanding American frontiers. The British North American confederation, comprising the 13 original colonies, extended territory northwards, aided by the Hudson’s Bay Company, and potentially included British Columbia, encompassing significant areas of modern-day Oregon and Washington. This new confederation would have been sparsely populated and relied heavily on trade, rather than international trade, to sustain itself.

In conclusion, an English victory in the Revolutionary War would have significantly altered the geopolitical and social landscape of North America and its surrounding regions. From Native American lands to the expansion of Spanish territories, and the eventual abolition of slavery, this hypothetical scenario provides a fascinating glimpse into the potential alternate history we might have faced.

Keywords: Revolutionary War, British North America, Slavery Abolition, Native American Lands