Like Trump, Benjamin Franklin Sought to Annex Canada

A new book highlights Benjamin Franklin's historical attempt to annex Canada into the newly formed United States. This largely forgotten episode reveals that, like later figures, Franklin sought to expand American territory northward. The effort occurred during the early days of the American Revolution, with Franklin traveling to Montreal in 1776 as part of a diplomatic mission. The goal was to persuade Canadians to join the American cause and become part of the burgeoning nation. Ultimately, Franklin's mission failed, and Canada remained under British control.