THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE (1775-1783)
When the American Revolution began to break out in the States, the Americans extended an invitation to Quebec. They wanted Canada to join them in declaring independence from Britain. Small groups of French-Canadians sided with the Americans on this, which resulted in the passing of the Quebec Act (1774). This was Britain's attempt to gain the loyalty of the French Canadians through recognizing their language, culture and religion. The majority of Canadians remained neutral on the subject and had no desire to go into battle against Britain.
Quebec rejected the proposal.
In 1775, the Americans invaded Quebec and Montreal. Britain called out to the militia there, composed primarily of French-Canadians. However, they were extremely reluctant to serve, regarding the battle as a British "family quarrel" that was of no interest to them.
Quebec rejected the proposal.
In 1775, the Americans invaded Quebec and Montreal. Britain called out to the militia there, composed primarily of French-Canadians. However, they were extremely reluctant to serve, regarding the battle as a British "family quarrel" that was of no interest to them.
The Battle of Quebec (1775)
On the 31st of December, 1775, the American troops initiated battle with a military composed mainly of British soldiers and Canadian volunteers. It was a battle between Generals Guy Carleton (Canadian) and General Benedict Arnold (American).
The point of the invasion was to bring Canada onto the American side (sound a little odd to you? Let's attack them so they'll want to be on our side!") Fort St. John and Montreal were captured by the Americans. On the 31st of December, 1775, Arnold launched night attacks on the city of Quebec. The night was clouded by a snow storm and American forces penetrated the walls. However, they had suffered heavy loss on the journey from New England and Arnold himself was wounded. Canadian troops dealt the counter attack, successfully driving off the assault. The failure of the American invasion of Quebec ensured Canada's stance on the Revolutionary War, and the United States continued on without further attempt to force Canadians into their battle.
These invasions left bitter memories in Canada and drove many people who sympathized with the Americans into exile.
The point of the invasion was to bring Canada onto the American side (sound a little odd to you? Let's attack them so they'll want to be on our side!") Fort St. John and Montreal were captured by the Americans. On the 31st of December, 1775, Arnold launched night attacks on the city of Quebec. The night was clouded by a snow storm and American forces penetrated the walls. However, they had suffered heavy loss on the journey from New England and Arnold himself was wounded. Canadian troops dealt the counter attack, successfully driving off the assault. The failure of the American invasion of Quebec ensured Canada's stance on the Revolutionary War, and the United States continued on without further attempt to force Canadians into their battle.
These invasions left bitter memories in Canada and drove many people who sympathized with the Americans into exile.
Cultural and Political Impacts
The American Revolution had strong influences on Canada, particularly the Francophone community of Quebec. The United States knew that French Canadians harbored bitter feelings towards the British oppression they felt and they were right - there was pro-American activity among the francophones in Quebec. The British Parliament in London knew this too, so they countered it with the Quebec Act of 1775. This act gave enormous rights to the French language, confirmed rights to the Roman Catholic religion and the French civil law. Politically, Roman Catholics could now enter public office and practice their religion with freedom. Culturally, the Quebec act implicitly asserted the use of the French Language. This links to the French Civil Code, which was also restored by the Quebec Act. Economically, the document also extended Quebec's borders, which enraged the Americans. Ultimately, the Quebec act was received with appreciation in the majority.