Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism

Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism is a 1965 book by Canadian philosopher George Grant. The work is a pessimistic critique of the decline of Canadian nationalism, arguing that Canada's adoption of American business goals and technology endangered its unique identity. Grant specifically decried the decision to allow cruise missile testing over Canada, viewing it as a symbol of increasing U.S. influence. The book reflects a broader concern about the "dictatorship of technology" and its impact on national sovereignty. The text also touches upon historical Canadian political and social developments, such as the Progressive movement and the complexities of French-English relations, which contributed to the evolving national identity.12