The British have extended their Canadian holdings to include much of the North American northwest.

The longitudinal boundary of 141°W separates the British sector from the Russian sector (modern Alaska).

The British quickly sponsor the Vancouver Expedition of exploration.

The Nootka Sound controversy has also played a part in the French Revolution.

The Spanish Bourbon monarchy had asked for French support in the dispute in the event that it led to war between Spain and Great Britain.

The French Bourbon king Louis XVI had wanted to back Spain against Great Britain, but the National Assembly had disputed his right to enter France into an alliance on his own prerogative, maintaining that the King's right to determine foreign policy and declare war is subject to the sovereignty of the people.

Eventually the Assembly had ruled that a proposal for a declaration of war could be initiated by the king, but had to be ratified by the Assembly; this had been a major blow to the monarchy.