Causes of the revolt in Lower Canada Flashcards
Because the legislative assembly refused to vote to pay for the British Civil List, what did the British government calculate in the Russell Resolutions and what did this provoke?
Lower Canada’s government owed £142,160 14s 6d (the equivalent of around £11 million today) for the payment of government officials. This provoked economic strain, leading people to seek more radical solutions.
What date did the banks close their doors, worsening their economic strain?
18th May 1837
What did the political barrier and lack of political representation lead French-Canadians to do?
To support nationalism.
Who was Louis-Joseph Papineau?
A prominent nationalistic figure in Lower Canada, who came from an old seigneurial family and opposed any changes to the seigneurial system. He was a politician who stood for the preservation of french national identity, with a growing anti-British sentiment.
Under Papineau’s leadership, what did the legislative assembly do?
the assembly refused any economic compromises offered by the British government, refused to pay for the British Civil List, and was responsible for the 92 Resolutions.
What date was the 92 Resolutions published by the patriotes, and what did they demand?
February 1834, they demanded constitutional reform, elective councils and the protection of French-Canadian identity. Provided hope for change.
What date was the Russell Resolutions passed by the House of Commons, and what were they?
6th March 1837, they rejected the 92 Resolutions and its proposals for constitutional reforms. It allowed the governor to use public funds without the assemblies consent and calculated that the Lower Canadian government owed the equivalent of £11 million for the unpaid Civil List.
What Russell Resolutions provoked the population of Lower Canada?
Resentment - Patriotes called public meetings and called for the boycott of British goods.
What year was the arrival of the commission of inquiry, who was this led by, and what was its full title?
1835, led by Lord Gosford. Its full title was the Royal Commission for the Investigation of all Grievances Affecting His Majesty’s Subjects in Lower Canada.
What did Head disclose to the Upper Canada assembly, and what did this provoke?
The full terms of Gosford’s inquiry - that Britain had no intention to implement the constitution reform that the patriotes wanted. This provoked outrage, so the matter was referred to the British parliament, resulting in the Russell Resolutions.
