what would north america be like today if the 13 colonies had not won the american revolution?
We would be part of the British Empire. So based on what you know of those countries, what do you think the US would be like?
Guru has a point. But Britain lost almost all of its empire in the 20th century. The former colonies became independent.
There's no doubt in my mind that the U.S. would not be part of the British Empire today. However, how big would the U.S. be? Would the western states be part of the U.S. or separate country(ies)? What about Alaska and Hawaii?
To understand what North America might be like today if the 13 colonies had not won the American Revolution, we can speculate based on historical context. Here are a few potential scenarios:
1. Continued British Rule: If the 13 colonies had not won the American Revolution, they would have remained under British rule. This would have shaped the region's culture, political system, and economy in a different way. North America may have developed more as an extension of the British Empire, with strong ties to Britain and a greater influence on British policies.
2. Possibility of Other European Powers: Without the success of the American Revolution inspiring other independence movements, European powers like France and Spain may have retained a stronger presence in North America. It is possible that different countries could have established colonies, leading to a more fragmented and diverse continent.
3. Slavery and Indigenous Communities: The continuation of British rule might have prolonged the institution of slavery in North America. It's important to note that the Revolutionary War had conflicting effects on the issue of slavery, with some northern states starting to abolish it, while southern states preserved it. Without the Revolution's impact, it could have taken longer for slavery to be abolished. Additionally, the fate of Indigenous communities would have likely been heavily influenced by British policies.
4. Possible Delay of Westward Expansion: The American Revolution opened up opportunities for westward expansion. The United States was able to acquire vast territories such as the Louisiana Purchase and the western territories through various means. If the Revolution hadn't succeeded, westward expansion may have been delayed or impeded, potentially altering the size and territorial makeup of North America.
Keep in mind that these scenarios are speculative, as the complexities of history make it difficult to predict with certainty how events would have unfolded. Historical events are influenced by a multitude of factors, and even minor changes can lead to significant differences in outcomes.