Conflict and tension gripped the continent as America wrestled with tensions between North and South over slavery, along with post-Civil War tensions with Native American populations. In Canada, Taylor documents the tension between English-speaking “Canada West” and French-speaking “Canada East”, and their mutual fear of American expansion into Canada. Mexicans fought an attempted establishment of an emperor powered by France while also dealing with Confederates eyeing Mexican territory to expand slavery into Mexico. The period between 1850 and 1873 was filled with violence in all three countries, most notably in Mexico and the United States. However, even Canada could not avoid moments of conflict. Taylor deftly weaves between all three countries, with personalities and names shifting from one country to another in order to try to gain influence.
For those of us in America, the history of Canada and Mexico during these decades is incredibly informative since what occurred in the United States shaped much of the course of both Canada and Mexico in the late 19th Century and beyond. Taylor’s work is fast-moving and packed with information for those who are seeking a broader appreciation of North American history during the 19th Century.
MY RATING: 4.5
