British North America refers to the territories in North America that were under British control from the 17th century until the mid-20th century. This included regions that would later become parts of Canada and the United States, such as the Thirteen Colonies, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. The British established settlements, trade routes, and governance structures in these areas, significantly influencing their development. The term is often associated with the period leading up to the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, which united several British colonies into a single federation. British North America played a crucial role in the expansion of the British Empire and the cultural and political landscape of North America.