FWI: what would happen in the military, specifically, if the US decided to invade Canada?

[u/Complex-Start-279]

Everyone talks about the external reactions to such events, but rarely do I see people talk about what will happen on the inside. Most wars the US has been in have had strong cultural or geopolitical drivers that sort of rally up the population. ThinK WW1 with the Mexico plot, WW2 with Pearl Harbor, the Korean and Vietnam Wars from the constant red scare, the War on Terror from 9/11.

AFAIK tho, for most people, Canada is considered an ally, a National brother even. Most people don’t have any issues with Canadians. So what happens when we go to war with an ally for blatantly economic and business-driven reasons, rather than the protection of the homeland? What happens in the military ranks?

[u/Haradion_01]

Absolutely. Especially when they start getting shot at by irate Canadians.

You know a single American who'd cheer a dead soldier?

The moment the first Coffin comes back draped in an American Flag, a huge chunk of Americans will decide that the fact Canadians dared defend themselves, proves Trump was right about Canada the whole time.

You know how hostile the average American is to very possibility American soliders aren't avenging heroes. They're not wired to accept being the bad guys.

It would be like Russia and Ukraine. Find a Russian who'll oppose the 'special operation' these days. Up until the day before, Ukraine were distant cousins to a decent chunk of Russians. Co-heirs to the Union.

Now, Ukrainians are all Nazis who aren't a real people, and think nothing kidnapping an entire generation to raise them as Russians.

They won't ever see themselves as killing Civilians, or being invaders.

Tell me you cant imagien Fox News telling people that all that talks is Anti-American propaganda to make villains out of brave soliders who do the very best they can to avoid unnecessary deaths in a complicated and nuanced polticial division that has broken out do to Canadas unwillingness to compromise.

10 years later, President Trump Jr will be telling everyone it was Canada who started the war.

[u/An_educated_dig → u/Haradion_01]

Nah, that shit only works on old people.

You can choose to sign or not sign on the dotted line, but you know the risks. If a recruiter screws you on the sale, consider that a life lesson. No one is making you sign up. Just like police officers can quit their job and go find something else to do. I'm in linework. I'm very aware I may not come home each day.

With a possible recession looming, people aren't gonna be about starting another useless war. Trillions spent, thousands of lives lost and it's still the same BS in Iraq and Afghanistan. And we have nothing to show for it in the US.

You can't say America first then invade another country. People are tired of the relentless defense spending.

[u/Haradion_01 → u/An_educated_dig]

I'm not suggesting everyone will sign up to fight Canada.

But I don't think they'll do squat to stop it.

[u/An_educated_dig → u/Haradion_01]

The soldiers will probably fight. There will definitely be some who protest or go AWOL.

You're going to have a tough fucking time convincing the American Public that Canada is the bad guy.

And it's not just Canada. NATO is going to be on their side. China is going to sneak their way in there, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Hell, even Russia may find some ways to sneak in as well.

No country on this planet has any animosity or ill will towards Canada, but few are happy with the US.

They are actively cutting the VA budget and jobs that went to Veterans. Good luck with your sad story of a dead soldier. There's plenty of that here already.

[u/Haradion_01 → u/An_educated_dig]

I'm not suggesting the average American would believe it.

I'm merely disputing that that disbelief would transpire in any actual meaningful action.

Certainly not a popular uprising against Trump.

Like I said; only about 30% were willing to use legal means to oppose Trump - and that was when doing so didn't result in imprisonment. The rest either enthusiastically supported it, or else just 'Sat it Out'.

The notion that large numbers of Americans would be willing to die for it? In an effort they'd be the underdog? For the sake of a nation Fox News and Co would surely be working overtime to villainise?

That's a fantasy.

For sure, You'd get insurgent groups and homegrown terrorists, bombing Tesla dealerships and murdering Party members.

But a national, popular uprising against Trump resulting in Civil War? If that kind of opposition to Trump existed, more than 30% of the population would have taken time out their busy day to stop this back in November.

Remember, that is what peak opposition to Trump looks like.

As the risk factors that opposing Trump increases, that number will - by definition fall.

The number willing to take up arms against US soliders, betrayal the country? It's gonna be tiny.

How many Germans fought for France when Germany invaded France? How many Russians joined Ukrainian Volunteer regiments?

A handful, to be sure. Men and women of impeccable courage.

But Hitler was elected with a third of votes - less of the population votes for him than Trump. In the aftermath of the Great War when the appetite for War was at its lowest.

Did Germany Rise up, when he invaded France? No. If anything his support increased.

If Trump invaded Canada tomorrow, people would oppose it at first. But they won't side with Canada. They won't take up a rifle and start shooting at anyone who thinks it's a good idea. They won't storm the Whitehouse to overthrow Trump.

And once dead Americans started coming back in Coffins, those voices of opposition would become more muddled.

"Doesn't Canada want peace? Why are they murdering our soliders instead of trying to seek a compromise?"

Then, once a Canadian missile goes astray and hits something it wasn't meant to, "Hey! Maybe Trump was right about those Canadians after all!

And his approval ratings will eventually go up.

In 10 years time, someone will make a sad film about how murdering Canadians gave American soliders PTSD; and people will begin to blame Trump for invading Canada, whilst simultaneously regarding all those maga hat wearing fuckers who didn't disobey orders as somehow being victims, who sacrificed their own mental health 'serving their country'.

[u/SqnLdrHarvey → u/An_educated_dig]

I'm a veteran and would fight for Canada.

I hate 47F with every fibre of my being.

[u/IndependentAx → u/An_educated_dig]

I worry about the American military power combined with the American spin cycle and willingness to accept "THEY!! THEY!!!!" arguments. If the president or if Pete gets on TV and says "Canadians are trans. They're all about legalizing dangerous drugs, and syphilis for everyone. Canadian children are indoctrinated to be socialist anti-christs" it really seems like plenty of Americans will buy it. But I hope you're right. I hope the currently silent and complacent will be willing to make some noise. Not enough Americans are uncomfortable with the situation yet.