Rebellions of 1837

The Rebellions of 1837 were a pair of Canadian armed uprisings that occurred in 1837 in response to frustrations in political reform and ethnic conflict. A key shared goal was the establishment of responsible government.

Related Topics:
Canadian - Uprisings - 1837 - Political reform - Responsible government

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The rebellions occurred in two Canadian colonies:

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• The Lower Canada Rebellion, - A larger and more sustained conflict by French Canadian and English Canadian rebels against the British colonial government
• The Upper Canada Rebellion - An abortive uprising in Upper Canada against the ruling clique of the colony, known as the Family Compact

The rebellion in Lower Canada began first, in November of 1837, and was led by Robert Nelson and Louis-Joseph Papineau. This probably inspired the much shorter rebellion in Upper Canada led by William Lyon Mackenzie in December.

Related Topics:
Robert Nelson - Louis-Joseph Papineau - William Lyon Mackenzie

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Although both uprisings were eventually crushed, more moderate reformers like the political partners Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine gained more credibility as an alternative voice to the radicals. They proved to be influential when the British government sent Lord Durham to investigate the cause of the troubles. Among the recommendations in his report was the establishment of responsible government for the colonies, which meant that a key objective of the rebellions was achieved because of the incident despite the defeat.

Related Topics:
Robert Baldwin - Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine - British - Lord Durham - His report

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