Rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada 1837-1838

What is a rebellion? Definition: An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

Causes for Rebellion Causes in Upper Canada Causes in Lower Canada Oligarchy – Family Compact Land Absentee landlords Land speculators Crown and clergy reserves Colonial government – lack of responsible government Oligarchy – Chateau Clique Economy Nationalism Colonial government – lack of responsible government When it became clear that government could not be reformed from within, the radicals in Upper and Lower Canada prepared for armed attacks on the government Difference – Upper Canada radicals wanted an American style government (thus fewer supporters); Lower Canada radicals wanted a reformed government that was responsible to the people Although there was a reform movement in Nova Scotia, they did not join the rebellions; achieved change through peaceful means

Rebellions in Lower Canada British were expecting rebellion so they transferred British soldiers from Upper Canada to Lower Canada

Battle at St. Denis November 1837 – the Patriotes won against the British Rebellion first broke out in Lower Canada, led by the Fils de la Liberte (named after the radicals in the American Revolution) 800 Patriotes vs 300 British

Battle at St. Charles November 1837 – Patriote rebels were outnumbered 3:1; ill-organized, poorly equipped, badly led; their defeat crushed the spirit of the rebels Happened 3 days after the battle at St. Denis; Patriote rebels lost because they were ill-organized, poorly equipped and badly led

Battle at St. Eustache December 1837 – Patriotes were outnumbered 10:1; British soldiers set fire to the church and shot any who tried to escape by jumping out windows the village burned to the ground

Lower Rebellion in Song http://www.songsforteaching.com/canada/sa/lowercanadarebellionrap.htm

Rebellions in Upper Canada Mackenzie decided to launch rebellions in UC while the British troops were distracted in Lower Canada – he thought this would bring about greater victory Mackenzie disliked L.G. Sir Francis Bond Head, who believed there was no need for government reform and supported the Conservatives to victory, ousting the reformers and radicals

Montgomery’s Tavern December 1837 – rebel militia showed inexperience; continued fighting into 1838, but eventually lost to the British William Lyon Mackenzie led the rebellion riding a white horse; 1000 men; lasted 4 days Rebels walked down Yonge Street armed with pitchforks, staffs, clubs, and guns Example of rebel militia inexperience: the first line of fighters shot and knelt down to reload; the rear ranks thought the first line was dead and deserted the front lines! Mackenzie escaped to the US dressed as a woman!! Tried to keep the rebellion alive but was unsuccessful; stayed in the US until 1849

Upper Canada Rebellion in Song http://www.songsforteaching.com/canada/sa/uppercanadarebellion.htm

Short term outcomes Those who weren’t killed or imprisoned during the 1837 rebellions escaped to the US, where they seeked out American military support Rebellions were launched in 1838 but they were also unsuccessful Rebellions were unsuccessful because they were poorly planned, lacked co-operation, disorganized, poorly equipped, and ill trained In total… 1300 were imprisoned 60 were exiled or deported 12 were hanged Over 500 fled to the US Exiled or deported to Bermuda, Australia, Tasmania Mackenzie and Papineau were pardoned