Why did reformers in Upper and Lower Canada rebel in 1837–38?
- They believed progress toward full democracy was too slow
- They opposed the building of the railway
- They wanted lower taxes on furs
- They wanted to restore French rule
Answer: They believed progress toward full democracy was too slow
In the 1830s reformers in Upper and Lower Canada thought progress toward full democracy was too slow. Some believed Canada should adopt American republican values or even try to join the United States. When armed rebellions broke out in 1837–38, the rebels lacked enough public support and were defeated by British troops and Canadian volunteers.
Learn more: Rebellions of 1837–38 and responsible government
- Reformers in Upper and Lower Canada believed progress toward full democracy was too slow. Some wanted American republican values or even to join the United States.
- Armed rebellions broke out in 1837–38 in the area outside Montreal and in Toronto. They lacked public support and were defeated by British troops and Canadian volunteers.
- Lord Durham, an English reformer sent to report on the rebellions, recommended uniting Upper and Lower Canada and giving them responsible government.
- Durham also said the quickest way for the Canadiens to progress was to assimilate into English-speaking Protestant culture. This showed he did not understand French Canadians, who wanted to keep their identity.
- Responsible government: the ministers of the Crown must have the support of a majority of the elected representatives to govern. A government that loses a confidence vote must resign.
- In 1840 Upper and Lower Canada were united as the Province of Canada.
- Reformers Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine and Robert Baldwin, and Joseph Howe in Nova Scotia, worked with British governors toward responsible government.
- Nova Scotia was the first colony in British North America to gain full responsible government, in 1847–48.
- In 1848–49 Lord Elgin, governor of United Canada, introduced responsible government with encouragement from London.
- In 1849 La Fontaine, a champion of democracy and French language rights, became the first head of a responsible government in Canada (similar to a prime minister).
- Some reformers, such as Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché and Sir George-Étienne Cartier, later became Fathers of Confederation. So did Sir John A. Macdonald, a former member of the voluntary government militia in Upper Canada.