What Were The Causes Of Rebellion In 1837 And 1838

The Lower Canada rebellions that took place in 1837 and 1838 had complicated roots. It would be an over simplification to state that the differences were just between the governor and the assembly or only political. The rapidly growing population had many facets that caused rifts between itself and the ruling government in place. Social differences, economic opportunity, and political perspectives all had roles to play in creating a climate that led to open armed rebellions. These differences led to strong political divisions between the Executive council (as opposed to just the governor) and the Assembly that personified the issues that led to the rebellion.
Lower Canada had many challenges to the long held social structure of dependence on agriculture to overcome. Population was growing rapidly, both from immigration in the English speaking group, and high birth rates among the French
During this time the management of government issues was often seen to be ineffective as struggles to deal with public health, sanitation and education were made. Policy’s such as quarantines, separate school systems and demands for public sanitation were frequently ignored or overturned. While the French political class may have been seen to be embracing liberalism this excluded minorities (at times even targeting them negatively), and began as time went on to disenfranchise women as well. “The power of the purse” 294 was central to the disputes that would lead to the active rebellion. Expression of this took many forms politically from schools, to taxation and who paid for the civil list the ability to approve spending and levy taxes was a key area of disagreement between the Assembly, the Executive Council, Governors and the British Parliament as well. The rejection of resolutions was the last act that pushed the disagreements into open