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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Lower Canada Rebellion

6. 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!!

7. 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

8. 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 Patriotes killed; British lost just 3)
Prisoners rounded up and sent to jail in Montreal
British troops torched homes and barns

10. 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

12. 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

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

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

15. Upper Canada Rebellions

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. Wrongdoings
Punishment
Upper Canada Rebels:
Lower Canada Rebels:

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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!

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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!

28. Political Cartoon