The Battle for the Fourteenth Colony: America’s War of Liberation in Canada, 1774–1776

by Mark R. Anderson

In this dramatic retelling of one of history’s great “what-ifs,” Mark R. Anderson examines the American colonies’ campaign to bring Quebec into the Continental confederation and free the Canadians from British “tyranny.” This significant reassessment of a little-studied campaign examines developments on both sides of the border that rapidly proceeded from peaceful diplomatic overtures to a sizable armed intervention. The military narrative encompasses Richard Montgomery’s plodding initial operations, Canadian partisan cooperation with officers like Ethan Allen, and the harrowing experiences of Benedict Arnold’s Kennebec expedition, as well as the sudden collapse of British defenses that secured the bulk of the province for the rebel cause. The book provides new insight into both Montgomery’s tragic Québec City defeat and a small but highly significant loyalist uprising in the rural northern parishes that was suppressed by Arnold and his Canadian patriot allies. Anderson closely examines the evolving relationships between occupiers and occupied, showing how rapidly changing circumstances variously fostered cooperation and encouraged resistance among different Canadian elements. The book homes in on the key political and military factors that ultimately doomed America’s first foreign war of liberation and resulted in the Continental Army’s decisive expulsion from Canada on the eve of the Declaration of Independence. The first full treatment of this fascinating chapter in Revolutionary War history in over a century, Anderson’s account is especially revealing in its presentation of contentious British rule in Quebec, and of Continental beliefs that Canadiens would greet the soldiers as liberators and allies in a common fight against the British yoke. This thoroughly researched and action-packed history will appeal to American and Canadian history buffs and military experts alike.

Genres: History, American Revolution, Nonfiction, Canada, War, Military History, The United States Of America

460 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Mark R. Anderson is a Colorado-based independent military historian and retired US Air Force officer. He earned his B.A. in History from Purdue University and his M.A. in Military Studies from American Military University.

Reviews

[Shrike58 · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be up front about it, this is the sort of book you approach like a graduate student, in that you read the introduction, the first chapter, and the conclusions, before skimming through the rest of the work. Having thus damned the author with faint praise, I'll also say that I'd rather read a dispassionate dissection of a disaster, rather than some jingoistic "what if" exercise. That's the thing with the Quebec expedition, it was an ill-advised adventure that shouldn't have been attempted, but which came within a hair of military success. However, for the invasion to have real staying power, Anderson argues that it would have been necessary to have immediately followed up with the political organization to take advantage of the situation, and that was not forthcoming. I'll also say that the author has written more about this theater of the war, "Down the Warpath to the Cedars" (Oklahoma, 2021), and I'm looking forward to reading that at some point.

Actual rating: 3.5.

[W M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderson’s descriptions of the battles and surrounding tactical decisions is absolutely magnificent, but where I think the true value of his work is to be found, is within the extensive contextual background he provides concerning the historical linkage between the Quebec and America.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a carefully researched and balanced account of the invasion of Lower Canada (later to become the province of Quebec) by the United Colonies of America from 1774-76. The actions and motivations of the many factions involved are explored in detail. The factions: the American Continental Army, Loyalists, Tories (rebels), Habitants, Caughnawaga Indians, Seigneurs and Priests of various parishes, the King's official representatives such as Guy Carleton, Governor of Quebec and the British army and navy. The Continental Army of the North was composed of soldiers from New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusets, Connecticut, Georgia and were led by some well-known officers such as Benedict Arnold, Seth Warner, John Brown, Ethan Allen to name a few.

Previous to reading this book I was largely ignorant of this segnent of North American history but now find myself eager to read more on the subject. It surprised me to learn that the colonies' Continental Congress made the assumption that Canada would want to join them and were cying out to be "saved" from our British overlords. It was a strange story largely because of the mistaken beliefs of the Americans and the apathetic response of the Canadians. I strongly recommend this book to those who love history and military and political history in particular. In a word: Superb.

[Todd Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, how many Americans realize that one of our first acts following the outbreak of the Revolution in Massachusetts was to invade Canada? Furthermore, how many realize that one of the principal leaders of that campaign was Benedict Arnold? Now, Canada was under British rule, and our leaders at the time were ostensibly attempting to "liberate" the French Quebecois from the British oppressors, but Anderson does a great job of untangling that web of confusion, and explaining that there was a good deal of liberty loving Canucks, which led to the Continental Army's invasion. I loved this book. The Canadian campaign is one of the least understood and least studied events of the American Revolution. Most Revolution historians are only somewhat familiar with the fate of Montgomery in the snows of a Quebec winter, valiantly but vainly falling in an effort to bring Quebec into the Continental fold. Anderson's study is refreshing, and for any American Revolution aficionados, this would greatly enhance your understanding of the conflict.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an excruciatingly painful book to finish. I found myself skimming desperately to try to figure out what the author was attempting to say, while drowning in details that detracted from the main point. First and foremost, Anderson is not the best writer. He takes what could easily have been communicated in twenty pages and turns it into 350 pages of repetitive detail. Second, there were a few interesting points. It was fascinating to see the difference between the literacy levels and free press in the colonies vs Canada. Finally, instead of detailing the allegiances and mistakes of every member of every community Anderson could have communicated much more clearly in generalities, and maintained a better flow of detail between the various people groups. Save yourself the pain of reading this book...google the topic and read the Wikipedia entree!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most mentions of the Continental invasion of Canada in 1775-1776 sum it up by saying "It was a disaster but it made Benedict Arnold a hero". What Mark Anderson does is explore how close the conflict really was by looking at Canadian primary sources that have been largely ignored in the traditional American narrative. Rather than being a forgone hope, there was a real chance that with a little bit more luck, specie and leadership, Canada would have been the 14th Colony. Anderson explores the cultural, political and religious factors that lead to many of the former French 'habitantes' to be sympathetic or even supportive of the Continental Army.
Anderson presents a complicated tapestry of class and religious differences that made up post-conquest Canada in an engaging story that not only explores what American liberty meant to other colonies, but how the roots of Canadian identity would be planted during this time.

[Evan Þ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This's the story of America's invasion of Canada in 1775 at the dawn of the Revolution, both to protect against a British invasion from Canada, and to liberate it from the British yoke - which there was some substantial reason to believe would be appreciated. I've written about this on my blog; it's a curious story often forgotten.

Anderson takes the perspective it was doomed from the fall, when Congress and General Montgomery both failed to take the initiative to establish a Canadian Patriotic government. I can see why, but I can also see why they didn't think they needed to. But also, I don't see how that would've necessarily saved things in the end. The British conquered New York City easily once they landed an army there; with an army inevitably sailing up the St. Lawrence in May 1776, what could the Patriots do however much local support they got?

And so, Canada and America went their separate ways, and this invasion remains as a dream of what could've been.

[Christopher Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 250 years ago the American Revolution looked to the north as a two-pronged advance was made into Canada. This book was an excellent guide through a complex and largely forgotten campaign. The rebellious colonies aimed to add Quebec to their confederation primarily to keep their northern frontier safe while also finding common cause with those opposed to the British ministerial government. The book explains how in some ways the revolutionary fervor was more pronounced than you might think among certain classes in Canada, but ultimately the revolutionary struggles of the Canadians were not the same as those of the thirteen to the south. Combine that with a military force underprepared for the task and the lack of proper political support for the Canadian rebels and you have an invasion that while not doomed to fail, fails all the same.

[Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this immediately upon returning from a vacation trip to Quebec City and Montreal. I have often wondered why Canada did not join the other colonies in the Revolution and become part of the United States. It almost happened. But for the ineptitude of the Continental Congress, much of the Canadian population would have gladly jettisoned British rule and joined the other 13 colonies. Unfortunately, the lack of Congressional initiative and hard cash allowed the British government to hang on until reinforcements arrived, completely thwarting any possibility of a 14th state. This book does an excellent job of telling the story of an aspect of the Revolution that is not taught in school.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How many Americans realize that one of our first acts following the outbreak of the Revolution in Massachusetts was to invade Canada? Finding my ancestors, Etienne Parent & Marie Genevieve Lefebvre, as well as their sons a part of the story was heartening & enlightening. Anderson was able to bring to life the stories of the French Canadian Revoutionary Patriots in Canada, that other authors missed.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like the habitants’ cultural history and outlook must have had *something* to do with their disinterest in joining the 13 English-speaking colonies to the south. But the author notes the lack of Canadian sources. And the enduring willingness of the US to “liberate” other countries by force.

[Timothy Finucane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not many people remember what a large part the Canadian campaign played during the Revolutionary War. This book is the author's attempt to argue that this was more than just an invasion, but was seen by Americans as an attempt at liberation. The full account of what happened, and the ultimate failure of the campaign, his a highly complex set of events and characters which Mark Anderson captures in full detail. While the book is certainly one for any Revolutionary War history buff book shelf, it is a bit dry and very academic through much of it. This makes the book a bit tough for the average casual reader, but the details of events contained within those pages makes it a rewarding read regardless.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

America's first invasion of Canada was a product of complex circumstances. Anderson captures the complexity in spades.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very well researched book. A lot of detail which at times I had difficulty getting through.