The Rebellions – Further Reading

1. J.M.S. Careless, “The Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada”

  • Careless’ work is a classic and essential study of the causes, events, and consequences of the Upper Canada Rebellion. It provides detailed insights into the political and social tensions that led to the uprising and the key figures involved.

2. Allan Greer, “The Patriots and the People: The Rebellion of 1837 in Rural Lower Canada”

  • Greer’s book offers a comprehensive analysis of the Lower Canada Rebellion, focusing on the role of rural communities and the social and economic grievances that fueled the uprising. It also explores the nationalist and political dimensions of the rebellion.

3. Colin Read and Ronald J. Stagg, “The Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada: A Collection of Documents”

  • This collection of primary source documents provides a wealth of firsthand accounts, letters, and official records related to the Upper Canada Rebellion. It is an invaluable resource for understanding the perspectives of those who participated in and witnessed the events.

4. Michel Ducharme, “The Idea of Liberty in Canada during the Age of Atlantic Revolutions, 1776-1838”

  • Ducharme’s work places the Canadian rebellions within the broader context of the Atlantic world and the revolutionary ideas that circulated during this period. It explores how concepts of liberty and republicanism influenced both the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions.

5. Elinor Kyte Senior, “Redcoats and Patriotes: The Rebellions in Lower Canada, 1837-38”

  • Senior’s book provides a military history of the Lower Canada Rebellion, focusing on the role of the British Army and the Patriotes in the conflict. It offers a detailed account of the battles, military strategies, and key figures involved.

6. Ronald J. Stagg, “William Lyon Mackenzie: Rebel against Authority”

  • This biography of William Lyon Mackenzie, the leader of the Upper Canada Rebellion, provides an in-depth look at his political career, motivations, and role in the uprising. It also explores the aftermath of the rebellion and Mackenzie’s legacy in Canadian history.

7. Allan Greer, “1837-38: Rebellion in Upper Canada”

  • Greer’s book is an authoritative analysis of both the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions. It examines the political, social, and economic conditions that led to the revolts, as well as the broader consequences of the rebellions for Canadian history.

8. Colin M. Coates and Cecilia Morgan (eds.), “Heroines and History: Representations of Madeleine de Verchères and Laura Secord”

  • Although not exclusively focused on the rebellions, this collection includes essays on how figures like Laura Secord and other key individuals from the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions have been remembered and represented in Canadian history.

9. George Rawlyk, “The Rebellion in Lower Canada, 1837-38: The Revolt of the Patriotes”

  • Rawlyk’s book provides an in-depth analysis of the Lower Canada Rebellion, focusing on the role of the Patriotes and their demands for political reform. The book offers a balanced account of the motivations behind the rebellion and the broader political context.

10. Jane Errington, “The Lion, the Eagle, and Upper Canada: A Developing Colonial Ideology”

  • Errington explores the political and social ideas that shaped Upper Canada during the early 19th century, including the tensions that led to the rebellion. The book provides a deeper understanding of how colonial ideologies influenced the motivations of the rebels and the Loyalist establishment.

11. Donald Creighton, “The Empire of the St. Lawrence: A Study in Commerce and Politics”

  • Although Creighton’s work focuses on the commercial and political history of the St. Lawrence River region, it offers important insights into the economic and political forces that contributed to the discontent in both Upper and Lower Canada leading to the rebellions.

12. Norman Knowles, “Inventing the Loyalists: The Ontario Loyalist Tradition and the Creation of Usable Pasts”

  • Knowles’ book examines the Loyalist tradition in Upper Canada and how it shaped the political and social landscape that led to the rebellion. It offers a critical analysis of the Loyalist myth and its influence on Canadian identity.

13. Paul Romney, “Getting it Wrong: How Canadians Forgot Their Past and Imperiled Confederation”

  • Romney’s book provides a critical analysis of how the events of the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions have been remembered and misremembered in Canadian history. The book examines the political uses of history and how the rebellions have been framed in Canadian identity.

14. C. M. Wallace and Robert M. Bray (eds.), “Rebellion in Upper Canada, 1837-1838: A Brief History with Documents”

  • This collection of documents provides an accessible overview of the Upper Canada Rebellion, with primary sources that highlight the political debates, social unrest, and key figures involved in the uprising.

15. Michael S. Cross, “A Reluctant Revolution: Upper Canada and the Rebellion of 1837”

  • Cross’ work examines the reluctant nature of the Upper Canada Rebellion, focusing on the reasons why many Upper Canadians hesitated to support the revolt. It provides insights into the divided loyalties and the complexities of the rebellion.

16. David Mills, “The Idea of Loyalty in Upper Canada, 1784-1850”

  • Mills’ book explores the concept of loyalty in Upper Canada, particularly among those who opposed the rebellion. It examines the social and political pressures that shaped the Loyalist identity and contributed to the tensions leading up to the uprising.

17. Joseph Schull, “Rebellion: The Rising in French Canada 1837”

  • Schull’s narrative account focuses on the rebellion in Lower Canada, providing a vivid retelling of the events, the key players, and the battles fought during the uprising. It’s a compelling read for those looking for an accessible overview.

18. Cameron Nish, “Rebellion and Union: Canada in the 1830s”

  • Nish’s work offers a comparative look at the rebellions in both Upper and Lower Canada, exploring the causes and consequences of each. It also delves into the political reforms that emerged as a result of the uprisings, particularly the union of the Canadas.

19. Marianopolis College History Department (eds.), “Rebellions of 1837-1838 in Lower Canada: Causes, Events, and Consequences”

  • This collection of essays explores the various causes of the Lower Canada Rebellion, focusing on the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the uprising. It also examines the aftermath and consequences for French-Canadian identity.

20. John Charles Dent, “The Story of the Upper Canada Rebellion”

  • Dent’s two-volume work is one of the earliest comprehensive accounts of the Upper Canada Rebellion. Although written in the 19th century, it remains an important primary source for understanding the perspectives of contemporary observers and participants in the rebellion.

These references provide a wide range of perspectives on the Upper and Lower Canada Rebellions, from political and military history to social and cultural impacts. They offer a solid foundation for understanding the causes, events, and consequences of the rebellions in Canadian history.