Battle of Quebec (1775)
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
What happened
American Continental Army forces under Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold fought the British garrison of Quebec under Governor Guy Carleton. Early in the American Revolutionary War, American forces invaded Canada. On New Year's Eve 1775, in a heavy snowstorm, they attacked the walled city of Quebec. Montgomery fell early in the attack, Arnold was wounded, and his men were trapped in the Lower Town and surrendered by morning.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the Continental Army's first major defeat. Canada stayed under British control for the rest of the war.
What came next
Arnold kept up a siege until spring 1776, when British reinforcements arrived and drove the Americans out of Canada.
Did you know?
Daniel Morgan, captured in the attack, refused to hand his sword to a British officer and gave it instead to a Catholic priest.
Timeline
- 1774The Quebec Act, based partly on Carleton's advice, is passed.
- 31 December 1775The Americans attack Quebec in a snowstorm.
- 1 January 1776The trapped American force surrenders.
- Spring 1776British reinforcements drive the Americans out of Canada.