TLDR;
The video explores a hypothetical redrawing of the United States' borders, primarily based on natural features like rivers and mountain ranges, and addresses the historical and political reasons behind the current state lines. It also discusses the implications of these changes, particularly on the balance of power between political parties. The video concludes with the addition of Puerto Rico and Mariana as new states to maintain the symbolic 50 stars on the American flag after merging some existing states.
- The initial focus is on merging duplicate states like the Dakotas and Carolinas.
- The video then shifts to reshaping western states along the Continental Divide and other natural boundaries.
- The eastern states undergo minor adjustments, mainly along the Appalachian Divide.
- The video concludes by adding new states to maintain 50 stars on the flag.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces the concept of examining geography in relation to history, noting that borders often have historical reasons behind them. The content creator will be reacting to a video titled "Let's Fix the United States' Awful Borders" by Geography by Jeff, which explores how the borders of the United States were formed and proposes changes to them. The reaction will include commentary on the historical implications of these proposed changes.
Duplicate States [2:45]
The video begins by addressing states that are essentially duplicates, focusing on North and South Dakota, which were initially one territory divided for political advantage. The video suggests merging them back into a single state called Dakota. Similarly, North and South Carolina are considered for reunification, as their split originated from disagreements during a war with an indigenous tribe. However, West Virginia is kept separate from Virginia due to its historical secession to stay with the Union during the Civil War, which is considered a valid reason for statehood.
Square States [6:00]
The video transitions to fixing the borders of the "square states" in the western United States, which have straight lines rather than natural borders. The proposal involves dividing states like Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico along the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. The western portions of these states would then join Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, respectively. Nevada would expand to include the deserts of California and Oregon, while a small portion of northeast Oregon would be added back from Washington. The Dakotas are merged, Kansas City is placed entirely within Kansas, and Oklahoma receives Texas's panhandle.
Eastern States [9:43]
The video shifts focus to the eastern half of the United States, where the proposed changes are less drastic. In the Deep South, the eastern side of Louisiana, up to Lake Pontchartrain but excluding Baton Rouge, would become part of Mississippi. The western edge of Florida's panhandle would be ceded to Alabama. States are split along the Appalachian Continental Divide, with the western portions of Georgia, Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania joining Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio, respectively. New York remains undivided, and the Delmarva Peninsula becomes entirely part of Delaware.
Midwest and New States [13:17]
In the Midwest, Michigan loses the Upper Peninsula to Wisconsin but regains the Toledo Strip from Ohio. Minnesota is considered to have nearly perfect borders, while Indiana, Illinois, and Arkansas require no significant changes. To maintain 50 states after merging some, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are combined into one state, and Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are combined into a state called Mariana. American Samoa remains a territory, and Washington D.C.'s status is unchanged.
Outro [17:29]
The video concludes with the content creator reflecting on the hypothetical border changes and their potential political impacts, such as shifts in the balance of power in the Senate. The creator emphasizes the importance of voting and participating in the democratic process to improve the country.