THE BATTLE OF QUEBEC: AMERICA’S FAILED NEW YEAR’S EVE INVASION OF CANADA
Before it became the country we know today, Canada was the Province of Quebec and for over two hundred years, was controlled by Britain. This includes the period of time in which the American Revolutionary War was taking place, which is what would inspire an ill-fated attempt to invade the Great White North. In theory, the Battle of Quebec could have helped the U.S. had it succeeded but instead cost the lives of hundreds of Soldiers.
What Was the Battle of Quebec?
The idea behind the Battle of Quebec was to not only take over the British-controlled province but also to help gain support from French Canadians to defeat the English.
It took place on December 31, 1775; however, a number of issues would work against the Continental Army, resulting in a loss for the Americans. This includes limited resources and illness hindering already depleted troops.
Capturing Fort Ticonderoga Boost Confidence
When you enjoy success it can be easy to become confident about what you’re doing. Such is the case with Gen. Phillip Schuyler.
After taking Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775, multiple American Commanders, including Gen. Schuyler, decided it would be a good idea to invade Canada.
Their goal was simple—defeat British Gen. Guy Carleton, control a notable region once under English rule and inspire French settlers to fight on their side. However, fate had other ideas.
A Lopsided American Defeat
It was New Year’s Eve when the Battle of Quebec began. American Gen. Montgomery moved men around the city’s fortified walls and on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the hopes of achieving a tactical victory.
However, the weather conditions were miserable with a blizzard hitting the area the night before and American forces dealing with impaired visibility.
The weather played a big factor and hindered communication. Using rockets, Gen. Montgomery was supposed to use them as the signal to Commander Benedict Arnold—yes, that Benedict Arnold—that his militia should attack.
However, Americans were lost in the blizzard, communication was not effective, and it all resulted in a lack of organization from disoriented Soldiers facing a formidable opponent.
Working their way towards Quebec, Montgomery’s militia was spotted because they were using lanterns and had managed to make their way close to the British.
Shots were fired killing Gen. Montgomery and other fighters, which caused a split among the troops where some stayed and fought while others retreated.
However, the Battle of Quebec would not be kind to the Americans as the city was well fortified and eventually, the U.S. forces would retreat.
In the same vein, the man who would earn his legacy as a traitor, Gen. Arnold, and his men were also facing a disorganized unit under heavy fire.
Success began for a moment but when Arnold was shot in his leg, he would have to retreat, leaving Gen. Daniel Morgan in charge, still disorganized and now fighting without reinforcements as planned.
When it was all said and done, the Americans and British fought in the streets of Quebec but between the bad weather and lack of ammo, the U.S. never really had a chance.
Over 400 Americans would become POWs after surrendering to the British. The Battle of Quebec would cause more than 500 casualties on the side of the U.S. with only 19 for the British.
The Battle of Quebec: A Tactical Mistake
There was an effort to take over Canadian soil in September 1775 by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, who tried taking Montreal; however, it also failed.
Overall, the campaigns to take over Canadian cities were deadly to the U.S. and ineffective in all of the goals set out by American troops.
Today, we often celebrate the ushering in of the New Year with champagne and toasts. Following the Battle of Quebec; however, there were no bottles being popped on the side of the Americans.
Suggested reads:
