Revolts against British rule

• What were the grievances that led to revolts?

  Political system, revolters wanted alterations, wanted an impartial, conciliatory constitutional government
• What were the proposed solutions to the revolts?

  The Canada Committee appointed in 1829, highlighted issues of 1791 Constitution BUT proposed no amendment or change but recommended "proper management"
• Why did these solutions fail to satisfy reformers/ patriots?

  Parliamentary reform in Britain, Howick Act meant revenue from Canadian goods duties given to local assemblies, intended to coerce Canadians into paying Civil List to pay govt officials
• What were the 4 causes of revolt in Upper Canada?

  • Radical Reformers
  • Emigration into the province
  • Actions of Lt. governors
  • 1836 elections and results
• How did the radical reformers cause revolt?

  led by Robert Baldwin, develop responsible government, try to present ideas to colonial secretary BUT removed from exec councils; Mackenzie's 'Colonial Advocate' attacked by FC in 1829, persecuted + wanted reform to system to American system, first mayor of Toronto and led 1837 rebellion, added vigour to American debate
• How did emigration into the province cause revolt?

  In the 1830s, Irish emigration with prejudice against them, immigration helped by Ops Town Scheme via shelters and cheap supplies, reformers unhappy with cost and no legislative assembly influence, Family Compact object to more immigrants, cholera epidemic 1832 and financial crisis 1837 led to more concern
• How did the actions of Lt. governors lead to revolt?

  Colbourne and Head both believed they controlled exec councils and ignored opposition, Colbourne improved infrastructure and used revenue to pay officials, controversial allocation of clergy reserves, Head invited moderates to exec councils but forced them out, 1836 election campaign against reformers led to rebellion being seen as the only option
• What did Colbourne do that lead to revolt?

  Used revenue to pay officials, allocation of clergy reserves was controversial
• What did Head do that lead to revolt?

  Invited moderates onto exec councils BUT forced them from office, 1836 election campaign against reformers meant that rebellion was seen as the only way forward
• How did the 1836 election cause revolt?

  Had a pro-government majority, extend the session of legislative assembly; FC consolidate hold on power, Mackenzie established Comm of Correspondence and propaganda as he wanted an American model
• The 1836 election showed Reformers that governmental opposition was no longer and option, leading to rebellion being seen as the only viable option
• What were the events in Upper Canada?


  less serious than lower Canada, Mackenzie allowed British to deal with revolt easily

  • 1,000 men gathered on Dec 1837 but were unclear about objectives, generally want to attack FC's businesses
  • rebels poorly organised + dispersed by loyalists
  • Mackenzie fled to Navy Island with 600 rebels, captured and bombarded on 13th January
• What new the results of Upper Canada revolts led by Mackenzie?

  rebels and sympathisers left the province, there was a change in the political makeup of the region; Baldwin's issues with the Family Compact commands the attention of Durham -> Durham to solve this
• What were the 5 causes of revolt in Lower Canada?

  • Long term
  • Short term
  • Papineau's influence
  • Economy
  • Gosford Mission + Russell Resolutions
• What were the long-term causes of the revolt in Lower Canada?


  Exclusion of French-speaking majority from government, the promotion of British and loyalists
• What were the short-term causes of the revolt in Lower Canada?


  After the Canada Committee there were higher expectations for change, which the British failed to meet; Papineau's leadership pf patriotes, economic and social issues, The Gosford mission and Russell Resolutions
• How did Papineau's influence lea to the revolt of Lower Canada?


  seigneurial family, LC politician with an anti-British stance, refused to accept financial compromises or agreed to the Civil List (to pay officials), encouraged French-Canadian nationalism, 1830s French revolutions lead to Patriote Party emerging (drafted 92 resolutions, wanted constitutional change, elected councils and the protection of FC identity)
• How did the economy lead of revolt in Lower Canada?

  Failing economy in the 1830s, hardships and social unease, cholera outbreak, 1832 2 men shot by military, Patriotes use this to push American revolution rhetoric, Stronger wings of radical party in 1834, assemblies organised on opposition to British proposals for economic control
• How did the Gosford Mission and the Russel Resolutions lead to revolt in Lower Canada?


  Gosford to lead enquiry into tensions in LC (British have no intention of reform), 10 Russel Resolutions in 1837 allow governor to use public funds AND calculates amount LC 'owes' British (widespread unrest)

  • Head (Lt gov) tells assembly -> outrage
  • Patriotes have public meetings and boycott British goods (Gosford then bans public meetings -> prep for revolt)
• What were the events of the revolt in Lower Canada?


  500+ form Societe des Fils de la Liberte, public meetings from Sept to Oct, Confederation of 6 counties meet + Papineau speaks against rebellion as voice of patriotes; Nov, cavalry exchange gunfire w/ patriotes, rebels ambush military detachment, Gosford issues arrest warrant, patriotes win @ St Denis; December (martial law- army control, 100 patriotes flee + houses burnt)
• What had happened by January?


  All the patriotes had either fled or were arrested
• Why was the LC revolt considered significant?

  500 patriotes in Montreal jails, Act on 10th Feb suspending 1791 Constitution, land tenure system tackled, martial law resolved, French Canadians no longer majority
• Why was the LC revolt considered insignfiicant?


  Gosford was allowed to run the new province, military were able to put down revolts easily, revolts were disorganised