Time for change to a more fair government

 The government could not be changed from within  The powers of the Chateau Clique and the Family Compact were impossible to weaken

 Reformers in Upper and Lower Canada stayed in close contact  Change in one colony would help bring change in the others

Mackenzie and Papineau prepared for armed attacks British did not have enough troops to fight back everywhere

 Strong nationalist feelings  Support from almost all French- Canadians  The Church opposed the Rebellion  Many French Canadians were reluctant to go against the churches  The Fils de la Liberte (Sons of Liberty) led the revolt in Lower Canada

 Many small, short battles, but the British beat the Patriotes (French-Canadian forces)  Many patriotes died  Papineau escaped to the US  PROBLEM: 1.Lack of organization 2.Lack of support from the Catholic Church

 Wanted an American-style democracy Divided supporters  For many British Canadians, the US was the enemy  BUT, people wanted a better government  The new governor, FRANCIS BOND HEAD sided with the Family Compact and was very strict

 Mackenzie thought soldiers were in Lower Canada fighting Toronto would be undefended  easy to overtake  Could take over arms and ammunition and take Bond Head prisoner

 WHY?: 1. Not enough men 2. Little military experience 3. Poor planning  Mackenzie escaped to the US disguised as a woman

 Read pp

 The rebels who survived and were caught would have been punished severely

 Under British law, over a hundred crimes were punished by death  After the Rebellions, the major leaders were publicly hanged

 Others were transported to Bermuda or Australia for seven years Many people died Similar to conditions on the coffin ships

IIf they arrived, the prisoners were used as slave labour Worked on plantations and on government projects GGiven little food TTreated very badly

 After the Rebellions, Britain realized they needed to change the government in the colonies Send some people to investigate  Led by Lord Durham

MMore independent from the Clique and the Compact MMore progressive (willing to change) Treated the rebels as lightly as possible VVery prejudiced against the French HHad little support. Why? The people who had fought the rebels and whose property was damaged were angry. The French  Durham resigns

1. Recommended that the Canadas join together and that responsible government was introduced 2. Later, all British North American colonies should join together (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, etc.) WHO WOULD NOT BE HAPPY? TTHE FRENCH!

 Durham convinced the British that democracy was needed to ensure peace in Canada  Responsible government: not full democracy or independence:  Elected assembly in charge of internal affairs (taxation, etc.)  British still in control of foreign affairs and military

 In 1840, the new governor passed the Act of Union to join the two Canadas  In 1841, they became United Canada; capital was Montreal.  FRENCH VERY ANGRY!!!! … STILL!