1776 in Canada
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See also: 1775 in Canada, other events of 1776, 1777 in Canada and the list of 'years in Canada'.
Events
- 1776-77 - Capt. James Cook of England explores the Pacific Northwest.
- US Revolutionary war. United Empire Loyalists move to Upper Canada and settle (lumbering, farming starts).
- April 29 - Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase and Rev. Charles Carroll, a Jesuit, urge Canadians to send delegates to Congress, promising toleration. Franklin brings a printer and press, for a newspaper, to mould public opinion. Canadians regard Franklin as an enemy, and the priests remind Father Carroll that, unlike some of the Provinces, Britain tolerates the Romish Church.
- May 6 - As a British fleet is in sight, the Continental Army, before Quebec, weakened by disease, retires from a superior enemy, who await reinforcements, behind strong walls.
- June 8 - Attempting to surprise Three Rivers, General Thompson, with 200 of 1,800 Americans, is taken prisoner.
- June 16 - Arnold's force has retreated from Montreal.
- June 18 - General Burgoyne finds that the Continental Army has evacuated St. Johns.
- The eleventh Article of "Confederation and Perpetual Union" provides that: "Canada, according to this Confederation, and joining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to, all the advantages of this Union; but no other Colony shall be admitted to the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine States."
- October 11 - The British are victorious on Lake Champlain.
- October 13 - On Lake Champlain, Arnold runs part of his fleet ashore, to avoid capture.
- The Jesuits' College, at Quebec, converted into barracks.
- The American colonies declare their independence. The Declaration of Independence is signed July 4, 1776.
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1737-1809) appears.
- Under Guy Carleton, Quebec withstands an American siege until the appearance of a British fleet (May 6). Carleton is later knighted.