Lecture video by OverSimplified, sponsored by NordVPN and promoting a plushie.
Historical focus on the territorial dispute between the United States and Britain over the Pacific Northwest, particularly the San Juan Islands, following American Independence.
Post-Revolutionary War
The US secured independence and negotiated territorial gains with Britain in Paris.
Britain granted land out west, but disputes over Canadian territory existed.
A questionable border was established at the end of the Revolutionary War, based on inaccurate maps, causing future disputes.
War of 1812
The US attempted to invade Canada; British retaliated by burning the White House.
The war ended in a stalemate but highlighted border issues.
Manifest Destiny and Expansion
The belief in Manifest Destiny justified American expansion across the continent.
Both the US and British North America (Canada) were interested in the Northwest.
The British interest was driven by the Hudson’s Bay Company’s fur trade.
Oregon Territory Dispute
The US and Britain both claimed land beyond the Rockies, leading to joint occupation.
Americans began settling via the Oregon Trail, outnumbering British settlers.
President Polk and Tensions
President Polk asserted US claims to the entire Oregon Territory, leading to tensions.
Britain and the US nearly went to war, but economic interests and other conflicts led to a peaceful compromise.
San Juan Islands Dispute
Hudson’s Bay Company set up a sheep farm on San Juan Island.
American settlers, believing the island was US territory, moved in.
The killing of a British pig by an American settler, Lyman Cutler, escalated tensions.
Military Standoff
US General Harney and Captain Pickett deployed troops to assert US claims.
British naval forces, led by cautious officers, avoided escalation.
Conflict Avoidance
Rear Admiral Baynes stopped the British landing of troops, easing tensions.
General Scott negotiated a peaceful joint occupation of the islands.
Outcome and Resolution
After US Civil War, tensions with Britain remained, but peaceful arbitration was sought.
Germany arbitrated the dispute, awarding the islands to the US in 1872.
British troops left the islands, ending the Pig War with no human casualties.
Key Lessons
Diplomacy and negotiation can resolve seemingly trivial disputes that could otherwise escalate.
The Pig War exemplifies bizarre causes of conflicts and the importance of international arbitration.