History Browser

During the 1750s, British North American colonies grew to the point that they began to spread into territory already occupied by the French colonies and First Peoples. After the expulsion of British settlers in 1754, an undeclared war broke out between French and British colonies.

From 1763 to 1776, British and Canadiens co-operated to defend Canada during the American Revolution. Two American armies, intent on weakening Britain’s position in North America, invaded Canada.

Eventually war erupted in North America between competing English and French colonies during the 17th century. In 1713, France ceded much of Acadia (now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) to Britain and abandoned its claims to Newfoundland. They retained control of Cape Breton, where they built the fortress of Louisburg to protect their fishing and shipping interests.

Major-General James Wolfe and 4800 British troops finally capture Quebec City after an intense battle on the Plains of Abraham.

During the summer of 1760, three British armies converged on Montreal. The Anglo-French struggle for supremacy in North America was almost over.