WI: Quebec as a founding state

[ATFFL]

The French might have sent assistance under the assumption they would get Quebec back after the war.

The US would have also had a massive infusion of much needed supplies.  Quebec had a large amount of cannon shot and powder that would have made a huge difference in the early years of the war.  It would have been like getting French aid in the early days of the war.

Once the British were driven out of Boston by the bluff with the guns from Ticonderoga, Washington would have been in position to threaten Halifax.  Given the guns and supplies from both Quebec and Boston he would have the men, cannons, powder, shot and time to lay siege to the city.  If Halifax fell the war would be over.  The British would be off the North American continent, likely never to return.

[ATFFL]

For one thing, he would be travelling there during much better weather than the Candia expeditions did.  The British did move men and guns by land from Halifax in summer, Washington can easily do the same in the other direction.

The southern strategy would not work with or without the French.  It was a poor idea that never came close to achieving its goals.  In the wake of Colonial victories in Quebec, Boston and Halifax the British would find even less support than they originally did.

Not to mention without Halifax the British supply lines cross the Atlantic Ocean.  They would either have to spend a few years building up another supply base or run supplies across an entire ocean.  This is not an easy endeavor with the technology of the time.  Even with Halifax as a reliable supply point the British still faced some logistical troubles.  If it is removed by being captured or siezed, any action in the colonies becomes a nightmare.

[ATFFL]

I might have to dig out the AH story I started which had Arnold succeed in taking Quebec (which was later renamed after him) and the new US fighting France after refusing to turn over Quebec (replaces the War of 1812.)