THE MASSES ARE GETTING RESTLESS: Growing Discontent in British North America
POLITICAL PROBLEMS In Lower Canada the conflict rose between the “Chateau Clique” and the Parti Patriote (led by Papineau). 1. Chateau Clique (English) - British administrators & rich businessmen (Molson, McGill) - controlled Executive & Legislative Councils WANTED: Laws promoting business Construction of canals, railways French assimilation / Union with Upper Canada Tax on property
POLITICAL PROBLEMS (cont’d) 2. Parti Patriote (mostly French) - Canadien professionals supported by the people - controlled Legislative Assembly - Led by Louis Joseph Papineau WANTED: Avoid expenses favoring the English Retain seigneurial system and French civil law Protect French culture *Responsible Government* Taxes on business & trade to pay for roads RADICAL WING OF THE PARTI PATRIOTE FELT THAT VIOLENCE MAY BE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE.
Louis Joseph Papineau
OTHER SOURCES OF DISCONTENT Series of poor harvests created famine, misery. By 1830, more than half of the seigneuries were in the hands of English-speaking lords who had bought & traded their way into positions of power (i.e. Chateau Clique). Government wouldn’t grant new ones. British immigrants competing for jobs and land. British used violence to deal with political demonstrations.
1834 – The 92 Resolutions The Patriotes issued a document listing their complaints and demands: Members of Leg. Council to be elected or selected from Assembly (and therefore responsible to the people). Ministers who were responsible to the Assembly. Control of public spending by Assembly. Appt. of francophones to administrative posts.
The Russell Report: A big NO In 1837, Lord John Russell the British minister for colonial affairs turned down most of these requests. Russell even allowed the Governer to take $$$ from the Legislative Assembly’s subsidies… this gave them less power. After 3 years, the Patriotes had the door slammed in their faces. The answer, according to some Radical Patriotes, would be WAR.