Social Studies 10 Ms. Razzell Rebellions of 1837 Social Studies 10 Ms. Razzell

Main issues for unrest in the Canadas Upper Canada Lower Canada Need for land reform Clergy/crown reserves blocking road development Lack of representation in government Lack of representation in Government Taxes – British gvmt tried to raise taxes only of French farmers Discrimination against the French & fear of losing French culture

Reform Solidarity Reformers of Upper & Lower Canada in constant contact -even though their goals sometimes differed Shared views on gvmt reform & possible solutions Both realized change in one colony would bring change to the other British troops could not fight rebels in both colonies simultaneously -leaders wanted to coordinate their revolts

Lower Canada Rebellion

Rebellion Begins.. Britain unlikely to change their policies The “Ten Resolutions” from Lord John Russell is proof of this -Implemented resolutions to strip assembly power - Governor could spend tax revenue however he pleased without approval of Councils or assembly Moderate reformers views initially prevailed Agreed to hold protests and assemblies protesting government all through the summer of 1837 They called for change!!

Sparks of Rebellions Despite many protests, nothing changed Radical military group called the Fils de la Liberte established At a convention in St. Charles, reformers called for a revolt Government sent out warrants for their arrest Principle Patriote leaders escaped to the Montreal countryside Papineau fled to countryside then escaped to the USA

Fighting Patriotes defeated British troops in the first skirmish at St. Denis Two days later a second battle occurs at St. Charles Results were disastrous (bw 50-150 Patriotes killed; British lost just 3) Prisoners rounded up and sent to jail in Montreal British troops torched homes and barns

At St. Eustache fleeting Patriotes sought refuge in a church British forces found them and set it on fire 70 Patriotes were shot or burned to death Entire town was then set ablaze along with the neighbouring town British arrested all the leaders they could catch

Rebellions finished.. Ended less than a month after it started Many blamed the Catholic Church for it’s lack of support -Church encouraged parishioners to remain loyal to Britain Rebellions were poorly organized

Not quite finished.. Escaped leaders fled to the USA and tried to get support Patriotes prepared for a second rebellion -1838 -disorganized -lost support after many rebels looted the Montreal countryside -Brits defeated them easily

Think-Pair-Share How have the rebellions in Lower Canada influenced the relationship between French Canadians and English-speaking Canadians today?

Upper Canada Rebellions

Desires of Reformers Mackenzie and his followers wanted a more American style of Government -lost support among the English immigrants The “Ten Resolutions” crushed the dream of a responsible government Governor Sir Francis Bond Head was also anti-reform -Sympathies lay with Family Compact -Heavy handed administration worked against the reformers

Mackenzie and radical leaders organized a government resistance Spent time training rebels to fight Angered further when Bond Head sent soldiers to fight rebels in Lower Canada -left York (Toronto) mostly unguarded

Mackenzie’s Plan Seize weapons and ammunitions Take the Governor prisoner Set up independent government if demands not met No radical leaders joined Mackenzie in this plan Attack was to begin at Montgomery’s Tavern and Mackenzie would be there on his white horse to help his rebels

Yonge Street Failure Rebels marched down Yonge Street Met by small militia group Rebels shot and dropped to reload -second line of rebels thought they were dead and retreated Rebels were defeated Mackenzie escaped to the USA disguised as a woman

In Class Assignment Make a chart from the perspective of the Government of the Canadas (Governor & Lieutenant Governor) On one side make note of the wrongdoings of the rebels On the other side write down how you would punish these wrongdoings

Wrongdoings Punishment Upper Canada Rebels: Lower Canada Rebels:

How were they actually punished? British law stated that insurrection was subject to the DEATH PENALTY Major leaders were hanged publicly Others transported to Bermuda for 7 years -yes it was a punishment -terrible conditions on the ship over, chained to the walls, kept between decks, no bathrooms, poor sanitation etc. Similar conditions to coffin ships -used for slave labour

Rebellions successful? Despite the loss of life, the rebellions DID get the attention of the British government The government ordered an investigation into the situation -done by John Lambton or Lord Durham who was the Governor-in-Chief of Canada

Durham Report Proposed creation of municipal governments Supreme court be present in the colonies Land reform in PEI Etc. BUT! The most important proposals were: Join the colonies together & give them responsible government Recommended to unite ALL of BNA (including the Maritimes) in time WOW SOUNDS GREAT!

Durham Report NOT full democracy -Elected officials would have power over internal issue that would only affect the colonies Proposed change to the appointed Executive and Legislative Councils -Executive Council members to be appointed from the elected Assembly -form a Cabinet -Legislative Council would not be able to make laws

Durham Report…. French-Canadians did not support this! -Lord Durham was known to be prejudice against the French! Rightly so! -Goal was to force French to assimilate into English culture

Act of Union 1840 Durham’s proposal accepted Canada’s united as “United Canada” or the “Province of Canada” in 1841. Lower Canada became “Canada West” Upper Canada became “Canada East” Montreal as the Capital No support from the French!

Political Cartoon