Part 2/8:
Trump's joke carries with it a deep-seated history of cultural and economic tension. The dialogue around Canada joining the U.S. isn't merely a jest; it is an echo of events dating back to the 18th century when fears of American expansion into Canada loomed large in Canadian consciousness. From attempted invasions during the Revolutionary War to political overtures in the early years of U.S. nationhood, Canadian sovereignty has often been a point of contention.