History Slam Episode Eight with Aaron Boyes: Anti-Americanism in Canada

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By Sean Graham

Has there been a week in recent memory that has been this scary? Start off with an earthquake in the Pacific, then the ‘Frankenstorm’, and top it off with Halloween. Given the fear associated with these events we wanted to do a podcast that really addressed some of this country’s greatest fears. But then it dawned on me – is there anything scarier to Canadians that the United States? Since the American Revolution, people in the northern colonies have been leery about the United States and the possibility of an American takeover. Certainly the invasions in 1775 and 1812 didn’t help that perception, nor did the Oregon or Alaska boundary disputes, the Fenian Raids, or the Civil War. Throw in unpopular 20th American policies and personalities like Herbert Hoover, the Vietnam War, and Richard Nixon and this country has long history of anti-Americanism.

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Aaron Boyes about anti-Americanism in Canada. We talk about anti-Americanism as a founding principle of the country, the use of anti-Americanism in Canadian politics, and try to identify some the American most disliked by Canadians. Given that November 1 is perhaps my favourite day of the year (cheap candy!) it’s fitting that we’re talking about one of my favourite historical issues. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your sugar high while you listen to the latest episode of the History Slam.

Sean Graham is a doctoral candidate at the University of Ottawa where he is currently working on a project that examines the early years of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He has previously studied at Nipissing University, the University of the West Indies, and the University of Regina and like any red-blooded Canadian his ultimate dream is to be a curling champion while living on a diet of beer and poutine.