History of North America (1775-1807) (Canadian Independence)

Revolution in America
The Quebec Act of 1774 had not been passed, which meant that colonial expansion into the west was possible. Despite this, amniosity still existed in the east. Shots had been fired in Lexington and Concord, starting the American War of Independence. The western states, however, was still on the side of the British, effectively making them netural. The war in the east continued, but the Americans managed to begin a drive into Quebec. Quebec and its French culture had been supressed by Virginia, and Quebec rebels led by James Livingston helped the Americans take control of much of Quebec.

Spread into Canada
The result of this was heavier taxation on the rest of Canada. Canadian homes near the war front were soon occupied by British soldiers, putting a strain on the colonial residents. The regions bordering Quebec were up in revolt as well. American drives into southern Quebec and the eastern territories also had an effect, bringing all of Canada into revolution. The Canadians fought bravely against the British, and took over the territories the Americans took as they left to settle matters in their own country.

The Canadians were short in one area though, which was naval. The British controlled shipping routes in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, causing economic strain as farmers could not ship their crops to cities in southern Ontario. Several diplomats were sent to France along with Bejamin Franklin, such as Robinson Elsdale. They managed to get France into the war, which gave them their naval power. After winning several battles in southern Ontario, the capture of Thunder Bay finally made the British surrender their control in southern Ontario. Several mores battles were fought along the St. Lawrence River, giving Canada control of the River. The British finally surrendered to Canada, giving Canada its independence.

Problems in the West
However, Great Britain had powerful Native American allies, which had fought with them through the wars of the French. Not wanting to spark a war with the Natives, Britain passed the Expansion Act, which attempted to stall the advance of the colonies.