American History Hit Revolutionary War: What If the British Won?
Jul 10, 2025
Join Major Jonathan Bratten, a skilled engineer officer and historian, alongside Dan Snow, the charismatic star of Dan Snow's History Hit, as they dive into an alternate history where the British won the Revolutionary War. They speculate on the grim fates of American revolutionaries and how life would differ under continued British rule. The conversation explores potential societal changes, from territorial issues to slavery, and examines the philosophical core of American identity amidst ongoing struggles for self-governance.
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Failed 1775 Canadian Invasion
- The 1775 American invasion of Canada led by Benedict Arnold was a disastrous failure. - British held Quebec narrowly after repelling the desperate American assault on New Year's Eve.
British Battlefield Success Limits
- British military victories didn't translate into lasting control over territory. - Occupying vast lands required manpower they lacked, limiting their hold despite battlefield wins.
Frontier Violence Challenges Britain
- The British struggle to maintain peace was exacerbated by vast unsettled western frontiers. - Native peoples and settlers both posed ongoing challenges for British control.