History of Canada

Canada is a nation of 33 million inhabitants, occupying almost all of the northern half of the North American continent, and being the second largest country in the world. Canada has evolved in four hundred years from a group of European colonies into a federation of ten provinces and three territories, having been granted its sovereignty peacefully from its last colonial possessor, the United Kingdom.

The Rebellions of 1837-38

In 1837, rebellions against the British colonial government took place in both Upper and Lower Canada. In Upper Canada, a band of Reformers under the leadership of William Lyon Mackenzie took up arms in a disorganized and ultimately unsuccessful series of small-scale skirmishes around Toronto, London, and Hamilton. In one incident, a small band of about 200 men fled to Navy Island in the Niagara River where they declared the establishment of the Republic of Canada on 13 December, 1837. Their short-lived rebellion was crushed however by British forces on 13 January, 1838. Two of the leaders were executed and others were transported (to Van Diemen's Land).

Related Topics:
1837 - William Lyon Mackenzie - Toronto - London - Hamilton - Navy Island - Niagara River - Republic of Canada - 13 December - 13 January - 1838 - Van Diemen's Land

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In 1837-1838, a more substantial rebellion occurred against British rule, known as the Lower Canada Rebellion. Both English and French-Canadian rebels, with some American backing, fought several skirmishes against the British. The towns of Chambly and Sorel were taken by the rebels, and Quebec City was isolated from the rest of the colony. Rebel leader Robert Nelson read a declaration of independence to a crowd at Napierville in 1838.

Related Topics:
Lower Canada Rebellion - Chambly - Sorel - Quebec City - Robert Nelson - 1838

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The Patriotes, however were defeated after battles at Camp Baker (Sainte-Martine), Lacolle, Odelltown, and Beauharnois. Hundreds were arrested, and several villages were burnt in reprisal. Two leaders were hanged, and 57 men, together with 83 Americans and colonials who had participated in the Upper Canadian Rebellion, were transported to Australia. In 1844 however, the Canadien Patriotes were pardoned, and those with enough money for their passage were allowed to return. Thirty-eight did so.

Related Topics:
Sainte-Martine - Lacolle - Odelltown - Beauharnois - Australia

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