1776 in Canada

Events

• 1776-77 - Capt. James Cook of England explores the Pacific Northwest.
• US Revolutionary war. United Empire Loyalists move to Upper Canada and settle (lumbering, farming starts).
• April 29 - Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase and Rev. Charles Carroll, a Jesuit, urge Canadians to send delegates to Congress, promising toleration. Franklin brings a printer and press, for a newspaper, to mould public opinion. Canadians regard Franklin as an enemy, and the priests remind Father Carroll that, unlike some of the Provinces, Britain tolerates the Romish Church.
• May 6 - As a British fleet is in sight, the Continental Army, before Quebec, weakened by disease, retires from a superior enemy, who await reinforcements, behind strong walls.
• June 8 - Attempting to surprise Three Rivers, General Thompson, with 200 of 1,800 Americans, is taken prisoner.
• June 16 - Arnold's force has retreated from Montreal.
• June 18 - General Burgoyne finds that the Continental Army has evacuated St. Johns.
• The eleventh Article of "Confederation and Perpetual Union" provides that: "Canada, according to this Confederation, and joining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to, all the advantages of this Union; but no other Colony shall be admitted to the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine States."
• October 11 - The British are victorious on Lake Champlain.
• October 13 - On Lake Champlain, Arnold runs part of his fleet ashore, to avoid capture.
• The Jesuits' College, at Quebec, converted into barracks.
• The American colonies declare their independence. The United States Declaration of Independence is signed July 4, 1776.
• Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1737-1809) appears.
• Under Guy Carleton, Quebec withstands an American siege until the appearance of a British fleet (May 6). Carleton is later knighted.

See also

• 1775 in Canada
• Other events of 1776
• 1777 in Canada
• Timeline of Canadian history

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