Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 - 3 Learning from past…

The idea

After 1791 the Constitutional Act split Quebec into two colonies: Lower Canada, mainly French-speaking and Catholic, and Upper Canada, mainly English-speaking and Protestant. Each had a lieutenant-governor, an appointed executive council, an appointed legislative council and an elected legislative assembly. Real power lay with the governors and appointed councils, who could block bills and control revenues, so the assemblies often clashed with them. The USA was seen as a threat: after the American Revolution many Loyalists settled in Canada, and the War of 1812 confirmed fears of invasion. The USA's rapid westward expansion and democratic republicanism seemed to menace British rule, especially as many Canadians wanted more control over taxation and spending. This tension shaped the political system and helped cause the 1837–38 revolts.

What earns the marks

• Describes the key features of the 1791 Constitutional Act: division into Upper and Lower Canada, each with a governor, executive council, legislative council and elected assembly.
• Explains that executive and legislative councils were appointed, not elected, and could veto or block assembly decisions, creating a constitutional deadlock.
• Explains that the assemblies controlled taxation but not spending, leading to disputes over revenues and responsible government.
• Explains the perceived threat from the USA: Loyalist settlement after 1783, the War of 1812, and fears of American expansion and republican ideas.
• Analyses how the political system and the American threat together created tensions that contributed to the 1837–38 revolts.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating that Upper and Lower Canada were created in 1840 by the Durham Report.

  Put it right: They were created in 1791 by the Constitutional Act; the Durham Report led to the 1840 Act of Union.

• Claiming that the legislative councils were elected.

  Put it right: They were appointed by the governor, while only the assemblies were elected.

• Saying the USA posed no threat after 1815.

  Put it right: American expansion and republican ideas continued to be seen as a threat, influencing Canadian politics into the 1830s.

Exam tips

• Use specific terms such as 'Château Clique' and 'Family Compact' to show knowledge of the appointed elites.
• Link the structure of government to the revolts: explain how blocked reforms caused frustration.
• When discussing the American threat, refer to both military fears and ideological influence.