The revolts of 1837-38, cases and impacts Flashcards
Why where the British unable to reform?
London was aware of the building tension in Canada, so a Canada committee was established in 1829 but it had nothing to offer the Canadians, and the report advised the 1791 constitution not to be changed, but for the proper management of the region. They did however Budge on the Howick act, releasing it in 1831 which transferred the revenues from duties to the LA in exchange for agreement to the civil list, an amount of money put aside to pay officials. Both UC and LC were now immensely frustrated at the failure of constitutional reform.
Why did Radical reformers caused the Upper Canada revolt?
Reformers were led by Robert Baldwin, a moderate who campaigned for responsible government but during the 1837 revolt, was in London protesting his removal from the Executive council.
William Lyon Mackenzie ran a paper, the colonial advocate, which damaged the reputation of the Family Compact, he argued that UC should seek independence from Britain leading up to rebellion in 1837.
Why did Lieutenant Governors cause the Upper Canada revolt?
Colborne (1828-35) and Head (1835-38) were LG of UC and they shared the same interruption of the constitution that the councils were to be consulted, but they had the final say in all matters.
Colborne had previous XP, and set up infrastructure however he again, by passed the assembly to pay officials and used tax payers money to set up an English prep school rather than the university that was desired by Canadian people. He allocated clergy reserves to support 44 Anglican parishes to establish the Anglican church even more.
Head was worse, he had no XP, he removed any opposition he had from the assembly’s and councils and then broke rules by competing directly in elections.
Why did the 1836 election play a big role in causing the Upper Canada revolt?
Head delivered a pro-government majority and passed laws to prevent any reforms from challenging his position. He issued a law preventing members of the LA from being executive councillors, an obvious move to stop reformers having voices in government.
WLM now believed rebellion was necessary, he drafted a new constitution and promised land to his allies.
How did emigration into UC cause the revolt?
Irish emigres moved in the 1830s, causing loyalist areas to become Irish in character. American exiles also were regarded with suspicion and a class divide grew in the region.
Poor Immigrants were assisted by the Ops Township scheme, which provided benefits to those struggling. Reformers objected to the programme as the LA was not consulted and the Family Compact didn’t approve as the immigrants were unlikely to bolster their power.
How did Papineau caused revolts in Lower Canada?
Papineau was the descendant of an Seigneurial family. He was an anti-British politician and a French Canadian nationalist. His anti British sentiment grew with the discontent over the economy, adopted the 92 resolutions In February 1834 which demanded constitutional reform and seeking the protection of French Canadian identity.
How did the economy cause political unrest in Lower Canada?
LC’s economy was performing very badly, there was hardship for the habitants and tensions rose to the point where two men were shot in a crowd in 1832. By 1834, the radical wing of the patriots were emerging, the largest economic problem for the crown was the question regarding paying officials.
How did the Gosford mission cause unrest in Lower Canada?
1835 commission led by Gosford was an inquiry into the running’s of LC but Head disclosed the details of the inquiry to the assembly in UC in 1836, causing great outrage and showed the people of LC the British had no intention to reform the constitution. The issue of reform was sent to parliment after the commission did not raise issues the patriotes were deemed important.The responce was the Russel Resolutions, rejecting the calls for reform in March 1837. The Resolutions caused mass unrest and agitation, they allowed the governor to use public funds without the consent of the assembly.
Describe the events of the revolt in Upper Canada
Mackenzie launches a revolt in December 1837 of about 1000 men, hoping to attack the Family Compact.
On December 5th, a large group exchanged gunfire on Yonge street, the rebels were disorganised and poorly armed, the bulk of rebels fled.
On December 8th, the remaining rebels dispersed once loyalists reinforcements arrived.
Mackenzie and others fled to Navy Island, he declared a provincial state with around 600 supporters. Mackenzie fled the island on the 13th of January when the Islands supply ship was burnt down; he was arrested.
Describe the revolt in Lower Canada
On November 6th 1837, fighting breaks out in the street between French Canadians and Anglican settlers and 4 days later, British Calvary exchanges shots with Patriote forces.
On November 16th, a rebel force ambushes a small British unit.
Martial law is declared on December 5th after a series of skirmishes in late November.
On December 14th, 100 Patriotes fleeing from a burning building are shot, Gosford gets the situation under control and most Patriotes flee to America.
