Just to put things in perspective. I’m from Quebec and the “Québécois” identity didn’t even emerge until the 50’s or 60’s. Before that, it was French Canadian and there was a strong connexion between the Francophones of all provinces. Even earlier than this, in the 30’s or 40’s, people considered themselves to be British subjects. My grandparents were born in the 20’s.

I literally don’t have the same cultural identity as my living grandparents. That’s how quickly cultural identities can evolve.

So honestly, that people don’t identify with a country that ceased to formally exist 200 years ago isn’t exactly surprising. In fact, the opposite would have been astonishing.