Could Michigan Survive as An Independent Nation? Definitely Maybe

The United States are a union of 50 indivisible states - no matter what the political climate is - so it's just a thought exercise to consider if any one of the states could survive on its own as an independent nation on the world state.

Most often cited is that California of any of the states would have the best chance to thrive. But what about Michigan?

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It may surprise you, but the answer is that it's not out of the question. While all states are very dependant on each other for commerce and the large structure of the federal government, Michigan has some distinct advantages should it seek independence.

The question came up on Reddit in a forum dedicated to geography. Consider at the outset the state's industrial base and access to the Great Lakes. Is that enough? Here's the argument in favor:

They have incredible access to navigable waterways/ports, the southern portion of MI is packed full of industry and industrial capacity, the northern portion of the lower peninsula is a verdant breadbasket, and the whole of the upper peninsula is very rich in ore, lumber, and more. That sounds like a recipe for success.

That's a strong case. The state has the industry and agriculture - the second most diverse in the nation - as well as the raw materials of the Upper Peninsula.

So if the state could grow trade partners in the international community, it would stand a chance.

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Michigan would, however, be truly landlocked. And that may come as some surprise considering the state is surrounded by the Great Lakes. But consider: if Michigan became independent, it would have international borders with Canada in Lakes Superior, Huron and Erie and international borders with the United States in Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Without an agreement from the US and Canada, there would be no access to the ocean. Michigan would not necessarily be able to send and receive goods via the St Lawrence Seaway as foreign nations would control access as soon as Michigan passed its territorial waters in Lake Erie - no free access to either the canal around Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario or up the St Lawrence.

And that access may be the biggest snag to Michigan's international aspirations.