Rebellions of 1837-38

Questions to ask yourself:

Were the Rebellions of 1837-38 about nationalism or liberalism?  Why do we fight?

What you will be able to do:

Describe the causes of the Rebellions and the main events in Lower Canada and Upper Canada.

Compare and contrast those distinct but related events.

Determine key consequences of the rebellions and rank them according to their significance. 

Discontent fuelling the Rebellions in Lower Canada.

The Rebellions in Lower Canada (1837–1838) were primarily fueled by political, social, and economic discontent among the population, particularly the French-speaking Canadiens.  

Politically, frustrations arose due to a lack of representation in government. The elected Assembly of Lower Canada, dominated by the Partie patriote, frequently came into conflict with the government and the British-appointed Executive Council. The Ninety-Two Resolutions, presented by the Patriotes in 1834, demanded responsible government and more self-governance, but the British rejected them in the form of the Russell Resolutions in 1837.  This caused protests in the form of assemblies and calls for boycotts against British goods.

Socially, the rebellion reflected deep divisions between French-Canadian farmers and the English-speaking elite. The church traditionally supported the colonial government, but even the church was criticized by many. Secret societies were formed, like the pro-British Doric Club and its opposite, the Fils de la Liberté. The majority French-speaking population was treated as socially less than equal and marginalized regarding things like land ownership and political influence.

All this during a time when economic factors also played a major role. The hardships brought about by a growing population placing strain on agricultural land made life increasingly difficult for many farmers. The colonial government’s trade policies favored British economic interests, and this resulted in boycotts of British goods, the promotion of local manufacturing, and even smuggling with the United States, all evidence of a desire for economic independence.

All these kinds of difficulties and tensoins combine to created the conditions for the Rebellions in Lower Canada.

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