Changes

The '''Quebec Act''' of 1774 was also called the ''Act for Making More Effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec in North America''.  It put under the control of the British colony of [[Quebec]] all unsettled lands east of the [[Mississippi River]] and north of the [[Ohio River]] -- lands that had been promised to the 13 American colonies. The Act also allowed for the practice of the faith of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in the area, even though Catholicism was severely restricted in Britain itself.  The Act never went into effect, as the war for independence started in 1775.

The '''Quebec Act''' of 1774 was also called the ''Act for Making More Effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec in North America''.  It put under the control of the British colony of [[Quebec]] all unsettled lands east of the [[Mississippi River]] and north of the [[Ohio River]]—lands that had been promised to the 13 American colonies. The Act also allowed for the practice of the faith of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in the area, even though Catholicism was severely restricted in Britain itself.  The Act never went into effect, as the war for independence started in 1775.

Quebec was to be governed  by an appointive governor and council without benefit of a representative legislative  body, and all acts were subject to royal veto.  There was no provision for democracy or self-government of any kind, let alone the variety that was flourishing in the 13 colonies.

Quebec was to be governed  by an appointive governor and council without benefit of a representative legislative  body, and all acts were subject to royal veto.  There was no provision for democracy or self-government of any kind, let alone the variety that was flourishing in the 13 colonies.

Langston (2006)  looked at press reaction in New England. Editors explained how it reorganized Canadian governance, establishing direct rule by the crown and limiting the reach of English law to criminal jurisprudence. Editors such as Isaiah Thomas of the ''The Massachusetts Spy'' drew links between the Quebec Act and legislation circumscribing American liberties, such as the Tea Act and the Coercive Acts. Editors shaped public opinion by writing editorials and reprinting opposition letters from both sides of the Atlantic. The First [[Continental Congress]], which met from 5 September to 26 October 1774, addressed the inhabitants of Quebec, warning them of the perils of the increasingly arbitrary, tyrannical, and oppressive nature of British government.

Langston (2006)  looked at press reaction in New England. Editors explained how it reorganized Canadian governance, establishing direct rule by the crown and limiting the reach of English law to criminal jurisprudence. Editors such as Isaiah Thomas of the ''The Massachusetts Spy'' drew links between the Quebec Act and legislation circumscribing American liberties, such as the Tea Act and the Coercive Acts. Editors shaped public opinion by writing editorials and reprinting opposition letters from both sides of the Atlantic. The First [[Continental Congress]], which met from 5 September to 26 October 1774, addressed the inhabitants of Quebec, warning them of the perils of the increasingly arbitrary, tyrannical, and oppressive nature of British government.

The Act was never enforced outside Canada. Its main importance was to anger the Americans. weaken the King's supporters (the [[Loyalists]]) and speed the confrontation that became the [[American Revolution]].<ref>Miller 1943</ref> When the war started an unsuccessful effort was made in Parliament to repeal the laws in hopes of mollifying the angry Americans, but it was too late and there was no repeal. The Treaty of 1783 gave the lands south of the Great Lakes to the United States.  

The Act was never enforced outside Canada. Its main importance was to anger the Americans. weaken the King's supporters (the [[Loyalists]]) and speed the confrontation that became the American Revolution.<ref>Miller 1943</ref> When the war started an unsuccessful effort was made in Parliament to repeal the laws in hopes of mollifying the angry Americans, but it was too late and there was no repeal. The Treaty of 1783 gave the lands south of the Great Lakes to the United States.  

==Bibliography==

==Bibliography==

[[category:Canadian History]]

[[Category:Canadian History]]

[[category:American Revolution]]

[[Category:American Revolution]]

[[category:Quebec]]

[[Category:Quebec]]

[[category:Western United States]]

[[Category:Western United States]]