I think a series of crippling natural disasters is the answer.
Answer:
Russia, Canada, United States, China
Explanation:
1. Russia (17,098,242 sq. km)
2. Canada (9,984,670 sq. km)
3. United States (including territories) (9,833,517 sq. km)
4. China (9,596,961 sq. km)
England backed down due to economic pressure
Maxine is an great place for travel I’m in speaks