Download SS 9- American Revolution Unit Lesson 3: Why did Quebec and

SS 9- American Revolution Unit
Lesson 3: Why did Quebec and Nova Scotia decide not to join the American Revolution?
PURPOSE: To understand why the “Canadian” colonies did not join the American Revolution

In 1775, the people of the Thirteen Colonies decided to fight a war against Britain in order to
create an independent nation, the United States of America. This is known as The War of
Independence, or The American Revolution.
The people of the Thirteen Colonies thought that Quebec and Nova Scotia would join them in the
revolution for three reasons:
1. Quebec had fought and lost against Britain in the Seven Years War only 15 years earlier.
2. The British taxes had also had a negative effect in Quebec and Nova Scotia. Find examples of this
on page 96 and summarize them below using your own words.
Quebec:
Nova Scotia:
3. Most of the settlers in Nova Scotia had moved there from the Thirteen Colonies.
WRITING PRACTICE
The above are examples of supporting ideas. These ideas support the topic sentence in a paragraph.
These ideas are made even more effective when a clear link is established between the idea and the
topic sentence. Match the following linking sentences to the above supporting ideas.
It was thus thought that the people of the “Canadian” colonies would also want to fight to protest
the “unfair” taxes.
It was thus thought that the Canadiens would be happy to once again fight their British enemies.
It was thus thought that they would want to support their American relatives in the revolution.

George Washington, the leader of the American revolutionaries (and the future first President
of the United States of America) urged Quebecers to join the revolution. He stated that he had
sent soldiers to Quebec to protect the Canadiens, not to hurt them.
The American Attack of Quebec
The Americans sent soldiers to Quebec in 1775 led by Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, but
were not successful in taking the British colony. Read page 97 and discuss three challenges that the
Americans faced in this attack. Categories have been provided for you.
SS 9- American Revolution Unit
Lesson 3: Why did Quebec and Nova Scotia decide not to join the American Revolution?
GEOGRAPHY was a major challenge to the American soldiers. Find 2 examples.
 Benedict Arnold had a difficult time going overland to Quebec because of
the geography.
 There was a snow-storm the night that the Americans attacked Quebec.
A third challenge that the Americans faced was A LACK OF SUPPLIES. Explain why
the British had more supplies.
 Benedict Arnold and his army took longer to get to Quebec than planned,
so they did not have enough food.
 British ships arrived to help save Quebec and give it more supplies.
These challenges were too difficult for the Americans to overcome, and Britain was able to keep its
colonies in present-day Canada as a result.
WHY DID THE “CANADIAN COLONIES” REMAIN LOYAL TO BRITAIN?
Link the following supporting ideas to the topic sentence:
TOPIC SENTENCE
There are many reasons that can explain why Quebec and Nova Scotia
did not choose to join the American Revolution.
SUPPORTING IDEA
LINK
(Explain why this supporting idea supports the topic sentence)
The terms of the Quebec Act were
very favourable to the Canadiens.
The Canadiens did not trust that the
Americans would respect their culture
and institutions.
There was a religious movement in
Nova Scotia called the Great
Awakening which was opposed to
violence.
The towns of Nova Scotia were
isolated from each other, and it was
thus difficult to create an army there.
Be prepared for a Chapter 5 quiz next class.