History Browser

Despite having won a battle outside the city in April 1760, the French army was unable to retake Quebec. General Murray, commanding the British defenders, refused to give up. A siege began for control of the city, but a British fleet arrived with more men, ending the contest.

Synopsis of television episode on James Wolfe's role in the siege of Louisbourg. Wolfe was determined to avenge the French general the Marquis de Montcalm's North American victories. It was at Cormorant Cove, which the French neglected to protect, that Wolfe first tasted glory and acquired a reputation for recklessness that would grow. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

Synopsis of television episode of the British attack on the Fortress of Louisbourg. On June 1, 1758, a massive British force arrived at Louisbourg, led by commander General Jeffery Amherst. To Louisbourg Governor Augustin de Drucour, it appeared that the British were intent on killing everyone and burning the town. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

War in the Pacific Northwest centred around the canoe, which could be up to 20 metres long. Flotillas of canoes would attack enemy villages, hoping to capture prisoners to keep as slaves. Coastal forts of cedar logs were to be found, used to help control and tax maritime trade.

The British bombing of Quebec lasted nine weeks, and still they could not take the city. The British camp was confused and divided. General James Wolfe could not decide where to attack and he faced growing opposition even within his own ranks. From the television series "Canada: A People's History." Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

The Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site tells the tale of over three centuries of Québec's military past. The visitor's guide contains links and contact information for the old fortifications as well as several surrounding historical attractions.

Fort Lennox occupies Île aux Noix, an island located a few kilometres from the Canada-U.S. border. Erected between 1819 and 1829, the fort consists of defence works and a number of stonework buildings of outstanding beauty. The complex was designed to protect the colony in the event of an American invasion by way of the Richelieu River. This website has visitor information and links to further information about the fort and other related sites.

Synopsis of television episode on England's plan to capture Louisbourg. The French fortress that guarded the entrance to the St. Lawrence River had long been a source of friction between France and Britain. The strategic fort was located on Île Royale and was the centre of the French fishing industry, a key military post, and training base for the French navy. This episode is part of the "Canada: A People's History" series. Includes links to educational resources, bibliography, games, puzzles, and video clips.

In the late summer of 1759, time pressed on the British besiegers of Quebec - to avoid winter, they would have to raise the siege in October. After the failure at Montmorency, Wolfe's British army began a campaign of pillaging and burning Canadian homes, striking at the Canadian militia.

When the British regained control of Lake Ontario in December 1813, the Americans had to move men to hold their shipyards at Sackets Harbor. Unable to hold Fort George, they burnt both it and the surrounding towns in mid-winter. A unit of Canadian traitors helped them in this cruelty.