Struggle for a Border: Canada's Relations with the United States (1967)
Synopsis
Why are there just two nations occupying that enormous expanse of the North American continent north of the Rio Grande? Why not just one unlimited American empire? Or why not several nations? This unique work gives clear and vivid form to the immense and complex forces--economic, political, military, diplomatic, social, and geographic--that created and confirmed the U.S.-Canada border. The largest single work ever undertaken by the National Film Board of Canada, Stuggle for a Border is the result of painstaking scholarship and research, and imaginative filmmaking. Each of the nine one-hour films is entirely self-contained, though part of a larger continuity. There are no interviews, but an on-screen narrator provides commentary and perspective. The films are so constructed that, if need be, they may be shown in half-hour, or shorter, segments.
First Air Date: 1967-01-01
Last Air Date: 1967-01-01
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 9
Top Cast
- J. Frank Willis as Narrator
Seasons
None (1967)
No overview available for this season.
Episodes:
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Ep. 1: New England and New France (1490-1763)
This feature documentary addresses the struggle between New England and New France, from the first uneasy contacts to the culminating conflicts. The economic battle between the St. Lawrence trade system and that of the Atlantic-Hudson is also explored.
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Ep. 2: Canada and the American Revolution (1763-1783)
This feature documentary recounts the opposition between American revolutionaries and Canadian communities settled along the St. Lawrence River during the period leading up to the American Revolution. The flames of rebellion spread northward but Canada resisted encroachment.
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Ep. 3: The War of 1812 (1783-1818)
This feature-length documentary looks at the Canadian-British-American struggle for the Ohio valley during the War of 1812, and how it contributed to American and Canadian nationalism. It also examines a few of the myths that emerged from the war with a very sardonic eye.
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Ep. 4: Dangerous Decades (1818-1846)
This documentary, part of a series from the late 1960s, focuses on the contest for the continental interior. It examines the American advantages and the problems plaguing Canada internally. It also looks at the Oregon and Maine boundaries, American anti-monarchism, and a potential sign of a "transcontinental nation to come."
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Ep. 5: The New Equation: Annexation and Reciprocity (1840-1860)
In this installment of a documentary series from the late 1960s, we survey the period between 1840 and 1860. Canada considers its options—annexation, continentalism, free trade, and economic nationalism—while the "one continent, one nation, one flag" ideology enjoys strong support on both sides of the border.
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Ep. 6: The Friendly Fifties and the Sinister Sixties (1850-1863)
This installment of a documentary series from the late 1960s takes us from the 1850s to 1863. We see several historical episodes from this period interwoven in a unique fashion. The film reveals the complex relationship between Great Britain, Canada, the North and the South—before, during, and after the American Civil War.
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Ep. 7: The Triumphant Union and the Canadian Confederation (1863-1867)
This installment of a documentary series from the late 1960s presents a fascinating study of the great and enduring principles of international relations. Through this close look at Canada and the American Civil War, and the relationship between Canada, Britain, the North and the South, we get a sense of the delicate balance between war and peace, and the diplomacy involved.
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Ep. 8: The Border Confirmed: The Treaty of Washington (1867-1871)
This documentary explores the years following Canadian Confederation, a delicate period in regard to American attitudes towards Canada. This was a critical time for the two countries, and the complex diplomacy of the Treaty of Washington is brought to life.
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Ep. 9: A Second Transcontinental Nation (1872)
Canada struggles to preserve her borders after the Treaty of Washington in this feature documentary. The country's survival as a nation independent of the United States rests in the balance, as the film shows in its exploration of historical context, underlying factors, and possible alternatives.
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