Canada and The Declaration of Independence, Part 2: The Invasion (or Liberation) of Canada

In the second of our 2-episode series about Canada and the Declaration of Independence, historian Mark R. Anderson talks us through the invasion of "the neighbouring Province" of Canada as well as the third and final letter from the Continental Congress to the Inhabitants of Canada. Topics include: -The formation of the Continental Army in June of 1775 and the appointment of General Schuyler to invade (or liberate) Canada -A description of the explanations offered by the Americans to the Canadas for the invasion, namely to protect their property rights and religious freedom, as well as to free them from oppression -The redrawing of Canadian political opinion from British vs French sympathies to Loyalist vs. Patriot sympathies as a result of the invasion -An overview of the Canadians who took up arms to fight with the 13 Colonies -The official end of the invasion of Canada on 1 July 1776, just days before the Declaration of Independence -John Adams' position that Canada would have joined the United Colonies had the Declaration been released at the start of the invasion and had ineffective politicians in Congress supported the invasion in a robust way -The Canadian response to the Declaration of Independence -The exile of the two Canadian regiments who supported the American army -An overview of British (Canadian) Invasions of the United States -Canadian reactions to the American victory in the Revolutionary War The painting depicts the death of the American General Richard Montgomery, who was killed during the assault on Quebec City in December 1775.