1. Chapter 3 - Part III Quebec Act -1774

2. I. A Second Constitution: Quebec Act - 1774
Introduction:
Based on Carleton’s recommendations the British adopted a new constitution called the Quebec Act in1774
Goal: Appease the French Canadians so they would not join the Americans in their revolt
Appease:
Satisfy a demand

3. Territorial Change:
The territory of the province grew almost 3 times bigger
Now included part of the Ohio Valley, a region coveted by American colonists

4. Political Changes:
Colony still governed by a civil government (governor & council)
Abolition of the test act - a new oath of allegiance to the King of England replaced the Test Act.
Legislative Assembly was not created
Eight French Canadiens were to be included in the council

5. Justice System:
French civil law was reinstituted
English criminal law remained.
Seigneurial System was officially recognized
Religion:
Catholicism was officially permitted and the clergy could once again collect the tithe. The Bishop could also appoint a successor.

6. Catholic Bishops celebrating the Quebec Act
In your opinion, why is the Catholic clergy celebrating the Quebec Act?

7. II. Reactions to the Quebec Act:
Canadiens
Group
Reactions
Reasons
Seigneurs
Pleased
Seigneurial system was recognized and they could also sit on the Council
Church
Catholic religion was recognized and that the tithe was reinstated.
Merchants
Pleased that the fur trading territory was expanded.
Canadiens population
Mixed reaction
Happy - Catholic religion was recognized
Upset - had to pay the tithe and seigneurial dues.

8. British of the Province of Quebec
Group
Reactions
Reasons
Governor & his allies in the French Party
Happy
They pushed for the new constitution
Members of the British Party
Majority are unhappy
Legislative assembly not created
Reinstatement of French civil law
Pleased with the western expansion of the fur trade territory.

9. Inhabitants of the 13 Colonies
Group
Reactions
Reasons
Very unhappy
The concessions made to Catholics
Absence of a legislative assembly
The abolition of English civil law in the Province of Quebec
Losing the Ohio Valley deprived fur traders of the Great Lakes region.