TOPIC 4:
Rebellion!!
It is
1837. You have been living in upper
Canada for several years now. Carefully
consider your background, economic position, education and religion; these
things will all influence you during the political crisis which is to come…
Things to
include:
* What are your opinions of the rebellion
in LOWER Canada. Support your opinion and explain the issues, events
and people involved in Lower Canada.
* Which group do you support in UPPER
Canada: the Family Compact? Reformers?
Radicals? What do you think of the men
leading these groups? Explain why you support one group over the
others.
* Are you in favour of rebellion in Upper
Canada? Explain your reasons.
* What is your reaction to Mackenzie’s 27
November 1837 handbill?
Explain why you have this reaction. (see primary source below )
BRAVE CANADIANS! God has put into the bold and honest hearts of our brethren in Lower Canada to revolt -- not against "lawful" but against "unlawful authority." The law says we shall not be taxed without our consent by the voices of the men of our choice, but a wicked and tyrannical government has trampled upon that law -- robbed the exchequer -- divided the plunder -- and declared that, regardless of justice they will continue to roll their splendid carriages, and riot in their palaces, at our expense -- that we are poor spiritless ignorant peasants, who were born to toil for our betters. But the peasants are beginning to open their eyes and to feel their strength -- too long have they been hoodwinked by Baal's [47] priests -- by hired and tampered with preachers, wolves in sheep's clothing, who take the wages of sin, and do the work of iniquity, "each one looking to his gain in his quarter."
CANADIANS! Do you love freedom? I know you do. Do you hate oppression? Who dare deny it? Do you wish perpetual peace, and a government founded upon the eternal heavenborn principle of the Lord Jesus Christ -- a government bound to enforce the law to do to each other as you would be done by? Then buckle on your armour, and put down the villains who oppress and enslave our country. . . .
Up then, brave Canadians! Get ready your rifles, and make short work of it; a connection with England would involve us in all her wars, undertaken for her own advantage, never for ours; with governors from England, we will have bribery at elections, corruption, villainy and perpetual discord in every township, but Independence would give us the means of enjoying many blessings. Our enemies in Toronto are in terror and dismay -- they know their wickedness and dread our vengeance. . . . now's the day and the hour! Woe be to those who oppose us, for "In God is our trust."
