The Revolt of Pontiac and the American Invasion

The American Revolution

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Fear of Raids From Canada

It was in this explosive context that the Americans learned of the Quebec Act. They interpreted it as an attempt by the British to appease Canadians with a view to eventually using them against Americans, which was indeed the case. Given such a scenario, the Americans would have to expect new raids by Canadians and Amerindians, who would, on behalf of the British, ravage the border areas of the recalcitrant colonies! American indignation reached a peak on the day that 19 British regiments disembarked in Boston to stifle by force any signs of protest. The first Continental Congress, attended by all the American colonies, was held in Philadelphia in October 1774; it was declared that the English laws, including the Quebec Act, infringed upon American rights. On May 10, 1775, Congress decreed that a standing army be created under the supreme command of George Washington.