The Fall Of Quebec :: Canadian Canada History

The Fall Of Quebec The fall of Quebec was a turning point in Canadian history, changing it from a French colony to a British colony. Had this battle gone the other way, English might be the second language, not French. The battle of Quebec was one of many battles during the 'Seven Year War'. They called it the Maritime War. It was officially declared in May 1756. Britain and Prussia were on one side and France, Spain, and Austria on the other. The war moved across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe because the French and the British were fighting over furs and land. Britain, while subsidizing and aiding Prussia, its only European ally, sought victory in America and sent what was for that century an overwhelming number of regular troops in order to stiffen the military of the American colonies. The French Colonists were very angry. The English were slowly moving over the Appalachian Mountains. Thereby invading the French fur trapper's land. In September 1758, General Jeffery Amherst attacked Louisburg, the frontier fortress of Canada. Major General James Wolfe was second in command. There was only two years difference between the too men. The Fort on Cape Breton Island was the key to the gateway of the St Lawrence River. (Britannica vol. 8) Whoever held the fort had the key to the heart of Canada. After the British captured the fort, Quebec was the next military target. The following June, Major General James Wolfe led the British up the river. Helping Wolfe were Brigadiers General Robert Monkton, James Murray, and George Townsend. The flotilla had forty-nine men-of-war, fully one-quarter of the entire Royal Navy, two hundred transports, storage vessels and provision ships. (digitalhistory.org) The fleet was commanded by three admirals, Saunders, Holmes and Durrel. The chief navigator was Captain James Cook. He would later explore the Pacific Ocean. Forty miles below Quebec at Isle aux Coudres the river becomes narrow, making it extremely swift and treacherous. Submerged rocks, sandbars and shallows became a hazard for ships. The French navy feared this, so they placed pilots on the island to guide the ships through the cannel safely. The colours of France were raised on the British ships as they passed through the dangerous point. When the pilots rowed out to help guide the ships, they were captured. These men were given the choice of helping the British or being hung.