 In 1760, British forces take control of Montreal › Britain and France were fighting in Europe (Seven Year’s War) and thus fighting broke out within the colonies.  The main reasons for the defeat were: › The extremely vast territory and low population of New France › Britain’s stronger and larger military forces (army and navy) › France’s inability to send reinforcements (too expensive) › New France relied too much on the mother country, while the 13 colonies were much more independent : Governed by the occupying army

 In 1763, the Royal Proclamation, creates a system similar to that of New France: › A governor was appointed by the King, who would the select members for an Executive council. › British criminal and civil laws apply › Encouraged trade to increase the wealth of the British empire. › Had to fight off the French, the natives and the Thirteen Colonies › Had to maintain internal order in a society composed of former enemies (the French)

Quebec under the Royal Proclamation  The Royal Proclamation was intended to assimilate the French and favour the British: › Roman Catholics were not allowed to hold public office and therefore could not participate in administration › No new Roman Catholic Bishops could be appointed to serve the colony › Protestant churches and schools were encouraged › Land was divided into townships for the occupation of British and American colonists

Quebec under the Royal Proclamation  Though the system was set up in this way, not all of the new policies were enforced (particularly by the first Governor James Murray): › French laws were permitted › Did not create an elected assembly because it would have favoured the English speaking merchants › Selected people who were sympathetic to the French to be on his council. Murray understood that the French greatly outnumbered the English (less than 1% of the population was English speaking and Protestant.

 In 1774, the Quebec Act was passed:  French civil law was reinstated  English criminal law was to remain in force  Seigneurial rights and system restored  The Tithe (church tax) could be collected again  The Governor had an advisory council, 8 members had to be French Canadian  No elected assembly was required Most power was still in the hands of the governor

Quebec under the Quebec Act  Colonists did have some new freedoms under British Rule:  Newspapers were authorized  Petitions could be presented to the governor  Had the right to form associations  Criminals had the right to a lawyer and trial by jury Of course, these freedoms could be suspended at any time by the state. › Means of control was still intimidation and public punishments, as well as military presence was still common

Quebec under the Quebec Act  The British State had some allies:  The Natives (became the military partners of the English and would fight during the American War of Independence)  The French Canadian (Canadien) Nobility (state was forced to ensure the loyalty of these powerful people – French civil law as well as the seigneurial system)  The Catholic Church (Quebec Act grants toleration of Catholicism, even though it was illegal in England/ in return bishops and priests preach loyalty to the British crown)

Quebec under the Quebec Act  British colonists were upset with the political system in Quebec: › The Quebec Act was particularly frustrating for the English because it tolerated Catholicism and allowed for French civil laws. › Because of their low numbers, they joined forces with the Canadien population as well as the Loyalists, who were also unsatisfied with the political system. › They demanded the right to elect a legislative assembly (so that they could exercise influence over state decisions) Canadien bourgeoisie & Catholic church continued to oppose these changes.

 In 1791 the Constitutional Act allowed for the creation of the legislative assembly. › This was done to appease the Loyalists and the Canadiens. › It was also beneficial for the colony because the assembly could impose taxes › Britain divided Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada  French civil law and religion was maintained in Lower Canada  Canadiens could now serve in administration

System of Government after the Constitutional Act  Governor had ultimate power over both Upper and Lower Canada  The Governor appointed two Lieutenant Governors for Upper and Lower Canada  The Governor appointed an Executive Council to advise him (in each of the Canadas)  The Legislative Council could approve or reject laws passed by the Assembly (in each of the Canadas)  The Legislative Assembly was elected by the people, but since they were not paid most members were professionals › To be able to vote, you had to be at least 21 years old, had to own property and earn over 20 shillings a year (most families had 1 vote, and women could vote if they met these qualifications)

 Though the new system allowed for more people to have influence over the state’s decisions, there were still problems with the new system in Lower Canada: › Positions in the assembly were not paid, so only the richest members of society could run › Poorest populations had no say › Assembly was made up of mostly upper class, therefore the decisions made were in the interests of these people rather than the general population. › Governor, Legislative Assembly, and Legislative Council all had to approve a law for it to be passed. The creation of an Assembly allows people to vote, but these decisions can still be overturned – not Responsible Government.

 The Parti-Canadien, later known as the Parti-Patriote, pushes for Responsible Government: › In 1834, they drafted the 92 Resolutions and sent them to Britain (a list of their demands) › Their demands were not met, so they used pressure tactics to force a change in the government:  They dominated the Assembly at this time so they did not support laws proposed by the opposing British Party, and refused to pass budgets and funding projects  This prevented the government from being able to function properly  They eventually began mass rallies and demonstrations to put further pressure on Britain

 The Governments’ response was to go after the Patriote leaders:  In 1839, 12 Patriote leaders were publically hanged in Montreal and 130 were deported, but the protests did not stop  Lord Durham was sent from Britain to propose a solution to the problems › He recommended Responsible Government, but Britain did not follow through. › Instead, they decided to unite Upper and Lower Canada

 In 1840, the Act of Union, combined the two Canadas in an attempt to suppress the rebellions:  Created Canada East and Canada West  Made the Canadiens a minority again so that they could not longer influence the government  English became the official language  Encouraged the assimilation of the French  The Legislative Assembly still had no influence over executive decisions

 In 1846, Britain applies a free trade doctrine, allowing for the mother country and the colonies to contend directly with global economic competition (Britain would no longer solely depend on its colonies for raw materials)  In 1848, the colonies are granted Responsible Government. › The Government of United Canada became bilingual, and was governed by representatives elected by the people. › The Governor reserved the right to nullify laws, but did not usually intervene the decisions of the Assembly.

 As the government is now run mainly by the bourgeoisie and entrepreneurs, the goals of the government changed to suit their needs. › Economic development within the colony became a priority:  Construction of canals to benefit merchants and traders  Construction of railways  New areas of colonization opened up  Creation of the Canadian dollar  Abolishment of the seigneurial system  Export markets for wood and wheat  Primary and Secondary education system to train workers  Catholic Church takes over social welfare and education again

 The idea of Confederation of Canada comes about in the 1860s.  Supporters included: › The Catholic Church (believed that their privileges would be better protected in a Catholic Province rather than United Canada) › Britain (colonies had become too expensive to maintain and felt that they needed to govern themselves)  Opponents were: › The Parti-Rouge (French feared that they would loose their political power) In 1867 the Dominion of Canada is created