The Rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada Answers

Lower Vs. Upper Canada Lower Upper Mostly people of French descendant The group of reformers called Parti Patriote. Worried about increased British immigration. Farmers worried about losing land to British. French worried about losing language and culture. Poor harvests, leading to starvation; cholera (disease) outbreak – not enough help from the government. - People of British descendant Biggest complaint was how the government spent money, mostly to benefit rich and the business community. The rich elite kept the best land for themselves, then sold it when prices went up (for a profit). The Church of England also had a lot of unused land. New immigrants had to move farther and farther from town. Starvation due to poor harvest.

The Rebellions in Lower Canada Started November 23, 1837. Government started arresting members of the Parti Patriot because of rumours of rebellion. Joseph Papineau went into hiding. Several small battles – rebels took over some communities. Easily defeated by British troops by the end of the year. Result: 800 Patriotes jailed, homes of supporters destroyed. Most eventually released, but 12 were hanged.

The Rebellions in Upper Canada When William Lyon Mackenzie heard of the rebellions in Lower Canada, he acted. December 1837 – Mackenzie led a group of 700 rebels down a major street in Toronto (Yonge). The government easily brought them own. The rebellion was over by 1838.

Lord Durham British government sent Lord Durham to investigate and give suggestions on what to do. Durham Report  Main Points Join the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada – Province of Canada. Could give the English more control over the French. Give the Province of Canada responsible government. Durham believed all people should have a say in their government.

Events That Led to Rebellions Unhappy with the current representative government. Starvation among the farmers in Upper and Lower Canada. The Patriotes, in 1834, drew up a list of complaints. The government responded by giving the governor more power (this is bad)! In 1837, the government started arresting people due to rumours of rebellion (Lower Canada).

MORE Events That Led to Rebellions W. Mackenzie takes advantage of situation in Lower Canada and organizes march through Toronto. Government reacts by forming militia and puts them down right away.