4.3 The Rebellions of 1837-1838

The Rebellions of 1837-1838 shook Canada's political landscape. Frustrated colonists in Upper and Lower Canada rose up against British rule, demanding democratic reforms and responsible government. These uprisings marked a turning point in Canada's journey towards self-governance.

Though crushed militarily, the rebellions sparked major changes. The British government was forced to address colonial grievances, leading to Lord Durham's report and the eventual introduction of responsible government. This paved the way for Canada's evolution into an independent nation.

Rebellions of 1837-1838 in Canada

Political and Economic Factors

Top images from around the web for Political and Economic Factors

• 

  11.10 Rebellions, 1837-38 – Canadian History: Pre-Confederation View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rebellions of 1837–1838 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  11.10 Rebellions, 1837-38 – Canadian History: Pre-Confederation View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rebellions of 1837–1838 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Political and Economic Factors

• 

  11.10 Rebellions, 1837-38 – Canadian History: Pre-Confederation View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rebellions of 1837–1838 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  11.10 Rebellions, 1837-38 – Canadian History: Pre-Confederation View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rebellions of 1837–1838 - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Political grievances centered on power concentration in appointed officials' hands (Family Compact in Upper Canada, Château Clique in Lower Canada)
• Economic factors contributed to growing discontent among farmers and rural inhabitants
  • Agricultural crises
  • Unequal distribution of land grants
• Push for responsible government and democratic reforms gained momentum in the 1830s
  • Championed by reformers like William Lyon Mackenzie (Upper Canada) and Louis-Joseph Papineau (Lower Canada)
• British government rejected key reform proposals
  • Ninety-Two Resolutions in Lower Canada
  • Seventh Report on Grievances in Upper Canada

Cultural and Social Tensions

• Cultural tensions in Lower Canada arose from clash between French-Canadian cultural preservation and British assimilation attempts
  • Exemplified by proposed union of Upper and Lower Canada
• Economic disparities exacerbated existing tensions in Lower Canada
  • Largely agrarian French-Canadian population
  • Merchant-dominated English minority
• Social divisions within colonies intensified
  • Loyalists versus rebel sympathizers

Rebellion Strategies and Organization

• Rebel leaders utilized various methods to disseminate ideas and mobilize support
  • Public meetings
  • Newspapers (Colonial Advocate in Upper Canada)
  • Pamphlets
• Formation of political organizations provided platforms for coordinating rebel activities
  • Constitutional Association in Lower Canada
  • Canadian Alliance Society in Upper Canada
• Military strategies differed between colonies
  • Upper Canadian rebels attempted to seize Toronto
  • Lower Canadian rebels engaged in widespread rural uprisings
• Some rebel leaders sought support from United States sympathizers
  • Hoped to gain military and financial assistance

Goals and Strategies of Rebel Leaders

Upper Canada: Republican Vision

• William Lyon Mackenzie aimed to establish a republican government
  • Drew inspiration from American model of democracy and independence
• Sought to dismantle the Family Compact's power structure
• Advocated for land reform and more equitable distribution of resources
• Attempted to seize control of Toronto as a strategic move

Lower Canada: Cultural Preservation and Autonomy

• Louis-Joseph Papineau and Parti Patriote focused on preserving French-Canadian culture and institutions
• Advocated for greater political autonomy within British Empire
• Demanded control over colony's finances and appointment of public officials
• Sought to protect French language rights and Catholic Church influence

Shared Objectives and Tactics

• Both rebellions aimed to achieve responsible government
  • Executive accountable to elected assembly rather than appointed governor
• Utilized grassroots organizing and public demonstrations to build support
  • Assemblées des Six-Comtés in Lower Canada
  • Toronto Political Union meetings in Upper Canada
• Established paramilitary organizations
  • Fils de la Liberté in Lower Canada
  • Mackenzie's "Tigers" in Upper Canada

Impact of the Rebellions on Canada

Immediate Consequences

• Rebellions' failure led to period of repression and martial law in both colonies
  • Arrests, executions, and exiles of rebel leaders and supporters
• Social divisions intensified between loyalists and rebel sympathizers
• Economic disruption in affected areas (Saint-Charles, Saint-Eustache)

Political Reforms and Legacy

• British government reassessed colonial policies
  • Appointment of Lord Durham to investigate causes of unrest
• Durham's Report on the Affairs of British North America (1839) recommended significant changes
  • Union of Upper and Lower Canada
  • Introduction of responsible government
• Accelerated process of political reform in British North America
  • Achievement of responsible government in 1840s
• Shift in reform strategies
  • Moderates distanced themselves from armed rebellion
  • Focus on constitutional means of achieving change

Long-term Social and Cultural Impact

• Reinforced linguistic and cultural divisions in Canada
• Contributed to development of French-Canadian nationalism
• Influenced future debates on Canadian federalism and provincial autonomy

British Response to the Rebellions

Military Suppression

• Colonial authorities initially suppressed rebellions through military force
  • Deployed regular British troops and local militia units
• Sir John Colborne played crucial role in quelling rebellions in both colonies
  • Decisive military action at Saint-Eustache and Navy Island

Political and Administrative Measures

• British government sent Lord Durham as Governor General and High Commissioner in 1838
  • Shift towards addressing underlying causes of unrest
• Implementation of Act of Union in 1841
  • Direct result of Lord Durham's recommendations
  • United Upper and Lower Canada into Province of Canada
• Gradual extension of amnesty to many rebels
  • Some exiles allowed to return to colonies in following years

Policy Shifts and Reforms

• British government eventually accepted responsible government principles
  • Addressed key demand of rebels
  • Implemented in Province of Canada by 1848
• Reforms in colonial administration and land policies
  • More equitable distribution of Crown lands
  • Secularization of clergy reserves
• Establishment of municipal governments
  • Increased local autonomy and representation