Editor says, what if the Prussian Government became involved after Britain and France were drawn into the American Civil War? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).

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Editor says, this is the fifth Journal Entry of the "Pacific & Dixie" series.

Michael N. Ryan commented on 2010-05-10 01:47:04 ~ I really don't see this one going anywhere. First of all, I wonder how such mail would be allowed across the border by either government since such actions would constitute aiding an enemy. Frankly, I doubt any load of mail would stop the north from launching invasion and taking Canada. If anything Northern mail going up to Canada would be DON'T TREAD ON US but Hey Your Boss in London is starting this mess so you will have to speak with him if you don't want to have to pay his bill. Second, Passivity is not an American trait. We go for the balls when pushed. Northern invasion would be pretty much a given. No Peace movement or Peaceniks or sympathetic Peacecongs would stop it. John Bull was meddling where he was not wanted and was going to get a big black eye for his troubles, followed with a bloody nose and more damage after that. Copperhads of the time were unable to stop the northern war effort against the south even in the most darkest times so any effort on behalf of Britain would likely go same way . Lincoln would be fool not to launch immediate invasion of Canada to teach London a lesson and provide himself a nice negotiating asset with which to break John Bull. It would also deprive Britain of a base from which to launch invasion into the North. as well as a major asset to American politics and manpower At the same time Lincoln would undoubtedly launch immediate efforts to break Britain's sea lanes with large numbers of raiders to grab british merchantmen. Any communications Lincoln would have with Bismark would be through the diplomatic courier pouch but more likely be sent directly to London in the hands of the captured colonial government being repatrated back to them. Most Canadians back then expected Canada to fall to Northern forces very quickly should war between Uncle Sam and John Bull were to come about. Many didn't even consider investing in defenses against posssible northern invasion since most expected them to fail anyway.

Eric Oppen commented on 2010-05-10 03:44:27 ~ I don't think this would work. AFAICR at that time Canada was middlin' hostile to the US anyway, and (like the Southerners) thought that Uncle Sam couldn't/wouldn't fight (memories of 1812?) Also, Canada's strings were pulled from Westminster at seventh-and-last, so the Canadians could howl all they wanted, but if John Bull(y) wanted California, he'd go after California.

Michael N. Ryan commented on 2010-05-10 15:05:44 ~ Funny thing is that at this time there were more Canadians (officially listed as either British Americans or French Americans) serving in the North's army than in the Crown's or its auxiliaries. Indeed, the Canadian national anthem of Oh Canada was written by a Canadian while he was serving in the Union army.