This dissertation is an inquiry into the political and intellectual currents of English Canadian left nationalism from the late 1960s through the 1970s. It investigates the reasons why left nationalism emerged as a major force in English Canadian left politics and explores the evolution of a neo-Marxist critique of both Canadian capitalism and Canada's relationship with the United States. Left nationalism represented a distinctive perspective and political agenda. Its vision was of a Canada divorced from the American-led capitalist world system. English Canadian left nationalism had a political manifestation in the Waffle movement and an intellectual manifestation in the New Canadian Political Economy. The dissertation demonstrates that the left nationalist interpretation of Canadian-American relations was not rooted in anti-Americanism, but in a radical politics of democratic socialism and anti-imperialism. Left nationalism was primarily the product of neo-Marxist thought, rather than a reaction to problems in American politics, society, and foreign policy. English Canadian left nationalists were disruptors who, unlike their New Nationalist contemporaries, did not advance a program of capitalist or social democratic reform. The left nationalists were determined to replace capitalism with democratic socialism; without socialism, there could be no Canadian independence. Left nationalists sought to end Canada's colonial status in the declining American empire, viewed the preservation of Canada's resources as imperative to the country's long-term prosperity, and advanced neo-Marxism in the academy and in the universities. The dissertation Writing a dissertation is a long, complicated, at times frustrating, but ultimately rewarding experience. I spent over 7 years as a graduate student at the Department of History at Carleton University and I will be eternally grateful for all the help and support I received. Special thanks goes out to Joan White, the Department's graduate administrator, who has been crucial in guiding me through all the intricacies of administrative paperwork, deadlines, and applications. Her patience, expertise, and dedication was greatly appreciated. To Dr. Nick Hyrnyk, who as a fellow student, and then graduate, helped guide me through the process of the comprehensive exam and the research and writing of a dissertation. His friendship, and success as an academic, is my inspiration. To my other close friend, Chase Ferguson, thank you for always being there with me during the good and the bad.