1. The American Revolution and British North America The Constitutional Act of 1791: How did it lay the groundwork for a culturally divided Canada? Political geography of British North America wasn't clear for much of the late 18 th century Official boarders between different colonies were not clearly set Arrival of the United Empire Loyalists changed this Fuzzy boarders - Vocabulary: United Empire Loyalist: colonist who fled the American colonies during or after the American Revolution.

2. The American Revolution and British North America The Constitutional Act of 1791: How did it lay the groundwork for a culturally divided Canada? Arriving loyalists arriving in Quebec didn't like that the colony was mostly French, Catholic and governed by French laws they demanded that they be given the opportunity to govern themselves separate from Quebec British government was happy to provide this, as provided opportunity to make Canadian society more like British society The Constitutional Act was passed in 1791, dividing Quebec into Upper Canada and Lower Canada, distinct British Colonies The American Loyalists get their way -

3. The American Revolution and British North America The Constitutional Act of 1791: How did it lay the groundwork for a culturally divided Canada? The cultural divide- Language Religion Law Both UC and LC received their own governments Gov't had an elected assembly, a governor and two councils Members of the councils and the governor were appointed to represent British point of view and protect British interests in the Canadian colonies Result was that people loyal to Britain (English speaking, Protestant, upper class) had power to pass laws that benefited them, while everyone else suffered

4. The American Revolution and British North America The Constitutional Act of 1791: How did it lay the groundwork for a culturally divided Canada? The British government had four alternatives for how to deal with tensions between American Loyalists (and others who identified as British subjects), and the Quebec habitants. These were: 1. Deport all people of French heritage so only the British remain. 2. Do nothing. Allow French and British to both live in the colony without changing anything, hoping that everyone will get along. 3. Separate the English and French into completely distinct and separate colonies, each ruled by their own governments and allowing only their own language and religion. 4. Force the habitants to assimilate into British culture under a British government, British laws, English language and religion.