The American Revolution in Quebec - Our March Toward Democracy

The American Revolution is a pivotal event in global history. Less well known is that it was also an important moment in Quebec’s history. Few are aware that our territory was invaded by American insurgents in 1775; that Québec City was besieged and attacked; that Montréal was occupied from November 1775 to June 1776; that the Château Ramezay served as the headquarters of the American troops; and that the Continental Congress invited the “oppressed habitants of the Province of Quebec” to join the rebellion of the Thirteen Colonies. Perhaps these events are vague in our collective memory because Quebec remained a British colony.

However, the invasion and the invitation to join the rebellion by the Americans is an important page in Canada’s own march toward democracy. There were intermittent obstacles and struggles, but it ultimately led to the establishment of a parliamentary, rather than republican, democracy, based on the principle of "responsible government" introduced in the mid 19th century.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Château Ramezay offers a retrospective of the Canadian democratic experience. Beginning with the fall of New France and continuing through to the provincial demands of Honoré Mercier. Multiple historical events such as the passing of Benjamin Franklin at the Château, the Rebellion of the Patriots of 1837-1838 and the fire set at Montréal’s Parliament are remembered. Certain topics, such as the treatment of First Nations, the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage, are more deeply examined. Concurrently, this exhibit explores the hazards of the relationship between Canada and the United States up until the American Civil War.

Portraits, archives, medals, weapons, and contemporary accounts pulled from our vaults serve as witnesses to these past developments, while accompanying detailed texts provide context and insight into their unfolding and the various perspectives and understandings that surrounded them.