The USA and Canada seem very similar to each other, but when I go to both countries I notice Canada have more British culture and influences than the USA. Canada spell with British English (colour, honour, centre) even though the American and Canadian accents are similar. Canada also seem more pro-British. The Royal Flag of Canada still has the Union Jack. The flags of British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland, Alberta have Union Jacks on it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canadian_Red_Ensign.svg
In Ontario I notice a lot of people are proud of the fact that their ancestors fought with Britain against the USA in American Revolutionary War of 1776 and in the War of 1812. I went to Victoria and they drink high tea in many parts of the city. Canada used to drive on the left until 1924 as well. Canada also write the date DD/MM/YYYY and in Québec they use commas for decimals and the period for thousands place i.e. $2.000,60. Canada are also a Dominion and a member of the British Commonwealth, none of which the USA are. Canada also have universal healthcare like Britain.
To be honest, I think you have made some astute observations and have basically answered your own question. Canada was a British colony longer than was the USA, so retained more British influence. I also think that, with the demise of the British Empire, Canada and England have become more similar in politics and influence – as middle powers rather than super powers. The USA’s status as the world’s biggest superpower gives it a unique identity and a type of national patriotism that we just don’t see in the UK or Canada.
To be honest, I think you have made some astute observations and have basically answered your own question. Canada was a British colony longer than was the USA, so retained more British influence. I also think that, with the demise of the British Empire, Canada and England have become more similar in politics and influence – as middle powers rather than super powers. The USA’s status as the world’s biggest superpower gives it a unique identity and a type of national patriotism that we just don’t see in the UK or Canada.
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Comment by Quaternion — July 28, 2010 @ 2:37 am