Information / Instructions
In 1774, the British abandoned their plans to assimilate the French Canadian colonists in Quebec. They found that assimilation was not going well and that the French refused to adopt their language, customs, and religion, even under the severe laws that had been put in place. They liked their culture and customs and wanted to hold onto them.
The governors James Murray and Guy Carleton proposed to the British government the idea of easing the restrictions on the French and allowing them to keep their culture in order to win their loyalty. As a result, the Quebec Act was passed in 1774.
This act expanded the territory of Quebec, allowed the province to enact the French laws that had been in place under New France, and allowed Catholics to hold government positions (which had previously not been allowed).
Task #1
Using the attached image and the "draw polygon" function, draw out the new territory of Quebec after the Quebec Act.
Task #2
The new laws of the Quebec Act turned away from the goal of assimilation. The French colonists were once again allowed to enact their own laws and engage with their culture more openly. One of the reasons for this change in policy was that the British wanted to earn the loyalty of the French colonists.
Imagine that you are a French colonist living in Quebec during this time. Would you be satisfied with the new laws and freedoms being given by the British? Would it be enough to earn your loyalty? Please explain your answer.