Indeed, I am continuing tom post blog entries about Canada, even though today is July 4th, the birthday of the United States. So it seemed to me maybe worth exploring the question of what might have happened had the American invasion of Québec back in 1775.
Americans had invaded, assuming that the French in Canada might very well side with them in the cause for independence from Great Britain. However, one of the things that had incited Americans to the point of helping to incite the Revolution itself was the Quebec Act, which allowed the French people there to preserve their language, culture, and religion. The British had done this in hopes of winning the loyalty of their French-speaking subjects. This did not sit well with many Americans, obviously.
A team of American negotiators led by Benjamin Franklin went over to Canada, hoping to bring the Canadians into the fold, championing the cause of independence. It did not go well, however. Franklin, who was getting up in years, was not even entirely sure that he would survive the rough trek through the heavily wooded wilderness, particularly with the wintry conditions:
“I am here on my Way to Canada, detain’d by the present State of the Lakes, in which the unthaw’d Ice obstructs Navigation. I begin to apprehend that I have undertaken a Fatigue that at my Time of Life may prove too much for me, so I sit down to write to a few Friends by way of Farewell. “
The Americans did enjoy some early successes. Indeed, they occupied numerous towns, including Montreal. And they were at the gate of Québec City. But they lost their general, Montgomery, as well as the battle, in December of 1775. They then laid siege to Québec City until the spring, awaiting reinforcements. But when reinforcements came, they were British reinforcements, forcing the Americans to retreat. Franklin and his team, by then having suffered some demoralizing defeats, decided it would be best to retreat back to the United States, and defend the northern part of Lake Champlain. There would be no recruitment of Canadiens to the American cause of independence.
Perhaps it is then easy to understand why the French in Québec might not entirely trust American intentions, especially since many of them hated Catholicism, which of course most French in Québec practiced. So the French speaking Canadiens remained loyal to the British cause, and ultimately fought against the invading Americans. Here's one funny story illustrating their loyalty to the British, who again, were safeguarding their linguistic, cultural, and religious rights by that point:
"The story is told that , at the time of the siege of Quebec, some citizens of the town erected a wooden horse on top of the cliff, in full view of the enemy forces. They swore they would surrender only if the horse began eating hay."
(An Historical Guide to Quebec Yves Tessier p. 53)
Interesting.
Also interesting is reflecting not just on this unique chapter in history, but wondering how differently things might have turned out had the Americans actually succeeded. To my mind's eye, my own suspicion is that Québec would probably be a lot less unique, and likely less French-speaking than it is today, if Louisiana is any indication.
Does anyone reading this have thoughts on this topic? Fascinating to think about.
What if Benedict Arnold conquered Quebec (and the rest of Canada) during the American Revolution?
https://www.quora.com/What-if-Benedict-Arnold-conquered-Quebec-and-the-rest-of-Canada-during-the-American-Revolution
Politics During the War (1775-1783)January 27, 2015 FRANKLIN’S FAILED DIPLOMATIC MISSION by Gene Procknow
https://allthingsliberty.com/2015/01/franklins-failed-diplomatic-mission/
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