Why do Americans like Britain so much?

Question

Another question prompted me to ask this:

Considering that Canada is directly to the north of us, why is Britain so much more relevant than Canada? It's probably not Britain's size, as it's not that much bigger in GDP or population. Next to no one in America would probably be able to tell you who Paul Martin or Stephen Harper is, but they could sure as hell tell you who Tony Blair is. Hell, I'm sure more people know who Gordon Brown is than either of the past two Canadien Prime Ministers. Same could be said about Pierre Trudeau and Margaret Thatcher.

Culturally and politically, why is Canada virutally irrelevant in the USA compared to Britain?

mcbrian:

I'm an American and do not know anyone who hates the British. I know people who hate Japan, Germany, China, Iran, Israel, France, Russia, Syria, Venezuala. I don't know any UK haters....

Answer 1

Because we are tied to Britian. Canada night have broken UK ties as well but they have a big French influence that we don't warm up to. Plus that house of commons PM Q&A session is a hoot to watch. Culturally we are closer to Britian than any other country, not sure they share the same sentiment though.

Answer 2

The usa imports more oil daily from Canada. Canada is the USA's main trading partner.
The USA has invaded Canada twice and both times they were driven back.
In both ww 1&2 we went to Englands aid immediately. Without our help the UK could not have held out Until Russia turned the tide against Germany. You did get involved I believe in Dec/41, thanks to FDR.
Same as in the 14-18 war, I believe you got involved in17, which was very nice of you.
We are now in Afghanistan and have lost quite a few of our military. OK so US forces killed 5 and wounded 39, but what the Fu*k they are only Canadians, so who gives a sh*t?
It's strange because I've met a lot of Americans and I've liked them. God Knows we had the pleasure of caring for over 8,000, here in Halifax following 9/11. Gander the same way, and many other Cdn cities. The people that were looked after here appreciated our friendship. Same as the ppl in Louisiana when we sent ships down to help out after Katrina.
"The Ugly American" they must be on this line. After 9/11, i helped host a family of 6 from Georgia, their son , astudent at UCLA told me , the family had just returned from eastern Europe And he said he had no idea how much Americans were hated overseas. I bit my tongue.
By the way, if you assho*ls don't want our forces in Afghanistan, let us know. See we live in a free country and we are allowed to see the repatriation of our dead, and it's getting depressing when those you think are your allies think so lowly of you.

Answer 3

Good question. In my opinion it's because in all its history Canada has done absolutely nothing of historical noteworthiness. England on the other hand at one time rules much of the world. It was said that "The sun never set on British soil." And even though we had to fight England for vour independence, it is still our mother country. It is also said that the United States and Great Britain are two nations separated by a common language.

Answer 4

I think because America was a UK colony and many of it's citizens have UK decent.... I mean for all intensive purposes, they are our mother... culturally and socially...

Canada is more like a cousin that lives near by... we've influenced Canada more than it's ever influenced us... sure we trade more with them, but they don't have the same cultural impact...

Answer 5

Well, there's that whole America was born out of Britain thing, and there's The Beatles too.
Of course Canada did bring us some good Bacon and Maple Syrup.

Answer 6

Britain is a big boy on the block. Americans like to hang with countries that they view as equal. I am unsure of when Canada was viewed as a world leader in anything. They weren't major players in any world wars (participants but not major players). They haven't been attacked where America had to directly bail them out. Its like Canada is our little sister. We acknowledge them when we need them or can benefit us but otherwise we try to forget them. We see them as a little bit of competition but too weak to be taken seriously. We bonded like friends with Britain through WW I and WW II. Canada needs to step up and compete with us and we will take them seriously

Answer 7

Britain is a foreign country, yet we can understand the language. Not many of us think of Canada or Mexico as being foreign countries because we can drive to them.

Answer 8

I am shocked that most people say it's the accent. Maybe it's beacuse they are our closest allies. They would defend us any time we needed them....Canada, not so much. Mexico, never.

Answer 9

i am british ancestry so is my wife from forever. they are the only true friends we have they have the same genetic makeup as me and it seems to show through to our morals. and attitudes
i know we aren't perfect, but better than anyone else i have met.

Answer 10

i actually think that most peolpe like it cause of the accent and the fact that it is so far away... i dunno if it has much to do with the fact taht they still have a monarchy or not... i know that is wicked cool and i love that, but i, personally, love the accents... i actually talked to a guy tonight who was from England... i LOVE the accent...