How did the Seven Years' war affect Canada?

Answer 1

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham ended the "French and Indian War" (7 years war in Europe) and changed ownership of Canada from France to England. It gave the French Serfs living in Quebec the "Rights of Englishmen"

It remains to remark on the significance of these events for Canadian, North American, and indeed world history, alluded to at the opening of this brief account. Obviously the fall of New France had the most profound effect on the nation then known as the Canadians, now known as the Québecois, for whom the Battle of the Plains of Abraham remains a moment of national tragedy. But the result was not the destruction of this nation, as many feared at the time. Owing in part to sheer collective determination and willpower, in part to the relatively enlightened policy adopted by the British in the Quebec Act of 1774 (which confirmed the traditional legal system in Canada as well as the privilege of the Catholic Church), the inhabitants of New France overcame the Conquest and today they flourish.

In terms of North American history, however, this Quebec Act, together with (more largely) the removal of the threat of New France to the colonies of New England, had a great impact on the rebellion of the Thirteen Colonies in 1776 and the subsequent births of the United States and of English-speaking Canada: no longer concerned with protection against the French and their allies by the British crown, American separatists could seek independence without the fear of invasion. The consequences, therefore, of the Plains of Abraham for world history are obvious: without it, the peaceful coexistence of two of the world's greatest rivals, the English and the French languages, for two centuries side by side without violence, would never have been possible, and the world would be deprived today of its greatest model of diversity and mutual respect.

What if Montcalm had waited for all his troops to rejoin before launching what proved to be a premature attack on the British line? What if his successor, General Levis, had received early reinforcements from France to strengthen her chances of victory? Would New France have met a different fate? Intriguing as this may be, it did not - in the final curtain call of history - happen. Britain won and the rest was, well, history. French Canada has since survived, but one can't help to wonder about how things could have been had France won. What if, indeed.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a turning point in North American history, especially Canadian history.

It was the most significant victory, both militarily and historically, in the final push to defeat the French and drive them out of North America.

As far as Britain was concerned, it was a triumph of British ingenuity and an example of British military superiority.

The taking of Quebec was probably the most spectacular success in the year of victories and certainly had the most momentous consequences," writes Mr. McLynn, whose other works have included epic treatments of Napoleon and the British exploration of Africa.

The entire history of the world would have been different but for the events of 1759," says Mr. McLynn. "If the French had prevailed in North America, there would have been no United States (at least in the form we know it), for it is inconceivable that France would ever have ceded any of its North American possessions."

Answer 2

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham ended the "French and Indian War" (7 years war in Europe) and changed ownership of Canada from France to England. It gave the French Serfs living in Quebec the "Rights of Englishmen"

It remains to remark on the significance of these events for Canadian, North American, and indeed world history, alluded to at the opening of this brief account. Obviously the fall of New France had the most profound effect on the nation then known as the Canadians, now known as the Québecois, for whom the Battle of the Plains of Abraham remains a moment of national tragedy. But the result was not the destruction of this nation, as many feared at the time. Owing in part to sheer collective determination and willpower, in part to the relatively enlightened policy adopted by the British in the Quebec Act of 1774 (which confirmed the traditional legal system in Canada as well as the privilege of the Catholic Church), the inhabitants of New France overcame the Conquest and today they flourish.

In terms of North American history, however, this Quebec Act, together with (more largely) the removal of the threat of New France to the colonies of New England, had a great impact on the rebellion of the Thirteen Colonies in 1776 and the subsequent births of the United States and of English-speaking Canada: no longer concerned with protection against the French and their allies by the British crown, American separatists could seek independence without the fear of invasion. The consequences, therefore, of the Plains of Abraham for world history are obvious: without it, the peaceful coexistence of two of the world's greatest rivals, the English and the French languages, for two centuries side by side without violence, would never have been possible, and the world would be deprived today of its greatest model of diversity and mutual respect.

What if Montcalm had waited for all his troops to rejoin before launching what proved to be a premature attack on the British line? What if his successor, General Levis, had received early reinforcements from France to strengthen her chances of victory? Would New France have met a different fate? Intriguing as this may be, it did not - in the final curtain call of history - happen. Britain won and the rest was, well, history. French Canada has since survived, but one can't help to wonder about how things could have been had France won. What if, indeed.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a turning point in North American history, especially Canadian history.

It was the most significant victory, both militarily and historically, in the final push to defeat the French and drive them out of North America.

As far as Britain was concerned, it was a triumph of British ingenuity and an example of British military superiority.

The taking of Quebec was probably the most spectacular success in the year of victories and certainly had the most momentous consequences," writes Mr. McLynn, whose other works have included epic treatments of Napoleon and the British exploration of Africa.

The entire history of the world would have been different but for the events of 1759," says Mr. McLynn. "If the French had prevailed in North America, there would have been no United States (at least in the form we know it), for it is inconceivable that France would ever have ceded any of its North American possessions."