Petitions, protests, and policy: The influence of the American colonies on Quebec, 1760-1776

The beginning years of British rule in Quebec are examined from a new perspective: the influence of the American colonies on Quebec. Three major issues were selected as the basis of the study: the impact of the American immigrant merchants on the internal life of the province; the role of the American colonies on British policy as it affected Quebec; and the failed American invasion of Quebec in 1775-76. Several long-held beliefs with respect to the mercantile community, the American component of that community, and the support of the merchants for the American revolutionaries during the invasion are challenged. The conclusion that the American influence in these critical, formative years was a significant one in the development of the political, economic, and social development of Quebec adds a new dimension to Canadian history and to Canadian-American relations.