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The biggest event that ever happend in 1838 was that rebellions broke out in upper and lowere Canada.In Lower Canada, in particular, the massive arrival of immigrants beginning with the end of the Napoleonic wars, an economic crisis, overpopulation of the seigneuries, the cholera epidemics of 1832 and 1834, and revolutionary ideas from Europe and the United States only exacerbated the existing political tensions. In 1834, the demands of the Patriote party, headed by Louis-Joseph Papineau, were set forth in a manifesto. The famous 92 resolutions argue, in particular, for constitutional reforms, denounce abuse by the oligarchy in power and call for the establishment of responsible government. After two years of procrastination, the Russell Resolutions responded to the 92 resolutions by rejecting them outright. Faced with England's refusal to grant any major concessions, the Patriotes grew more radical in their position. An armed insurrection against the English colonial authorities broke out in November 1837. The Patriotes were victorious at Saint-Denis on November 23, but were defeated at Saint-Charles on November 25 and at Saint-Eustache on December 14. In 1838, a new insurrection also ended in failure.

This major event in Québec history is still replete with meaning and symbolism, particularly for those sensitive to the national aspirations of Quebecers. It has given rise to a sizeable literature. Authors like Laurent-Olivier David, Gérard Filteau, Fernand Ouellet, Georges Aubin, Renée Blanchet, Joseph Schull, Jean-Paul Bernard and Allan Greer have dwelt on the course of events and their social, economic and political causes. To bring together all of the figures connected with the insurrectional movement, Alain Messier published his Dictionnaire encyclopédique et historique des patriotes 1837-1838 (Guérin, 2002).

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15y ago

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