1. Rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada

2. What is a rebellion? Definition:
An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

3. Causes for Rebellion Causes in Upper Canada Causes in Lower Canada
Oligarchy – Family Compact
Land
Absentee landlords
Land speculators
Crown and clergy reserves
Colonial government – lack of responsible government
Oligarchy – Chateau Clique
Economy
Nationalism
Colonial government – lack of responsible government
When it became clear that government could not be reformed from within, the radicals in Upper and Lower Canada prepared for armed attacks on the government
Difference – Upper Canada radicals wanted an American style government (thus fewer supporters); Lower Canada radicals wanted a reformed government that was responsible to the people
Although there was a reform movement in Nova Scotia, they did not join the rebellions; achieved change through peaceful means

4. Rebellions in Lower Canada
British were expecting rebellion so they transferred British soldiers from Upper Canada to Lower Canada

5. Battle at St. Denis
November 1837 – the Patriotes won against the British
Rebellion first broke out in Lower Canada, led by the Fils de la Liberte (named after the radicals in the American Revolution)
800 Patriotes vs 300 British

6. Battle at St. Charles
November 1837 – Patriote rebels were outnumbered 3:1; ill-organized, poorly equipped, badly led; their defeat crushed the spirit of the rebels
Happened 3 days after the battle at St. Denis; Patriote rebels lost because they were ill-organized, poorly equipped and badly led

7. Battle at St. Eustache
December 1837 – Patriotes were outnumbered 10:1; British soldiers set fire to the church and shot any who tried to escape by jumping out windows
the village burned to the ground

8. Lower Rebellion in Song

9. Rebellions in Upper Canada
Mackenzie decided to launch rebellions in UC while the British troops were distracted in Lower Canada – he thought this would bring about greater victory
Mackenzie disliked L.G. Sir Francis Bond Head, who believed there was no need for government reform and supported the Conservatives to victory, ousting the reformers and radicals

10. Montgomery’s Tavern
December 1837 – rebel militia showed inexperience; continued fighting into 1838, but eventually lost to the British
William Lyon Mackenzie led the rebellion riding a white horse; 1000 men; lasted 4 days
Rebels walked down Yonge Street armed with pitchforks, staffs, clubs, and guns
Example of rebel militia inexperience: the first line of fighters shot and knelt down to reload; the rear ranks thought the first line was dead and deserted the front lines!
Mackenzie escaped to the US dressed as a woman!! Tried to keep the rebellion alive but was unsuccessful; stayed in the US until 1849

11. Upper Canada Rebellion in Song

12. Short term outcomes
Those who weren’t killed or imprisoned during the 1837 rebellions escaped to the US, where they seeked out American military support
Rebellions were launched in 1838 but they were also unsuccessful
Rebellions were unsuccessful because they were poorly planned, lacked co-operation, disorganized, poorly equipped, and ill trained
In total…
1300 were imprisoned
60 were exiled or deported
12 were hanged
Over 500 fled to the US
Exiled or deported to Bermuda, Australia, Tasmania
Mackenzie and Papineau were pardoned