Northern Armageddon: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham - Eight Minutes of Gunfire That Shaped A Continent

by D. Peter MacLeod

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham is one of the pivotal events in North American and global history. This clash between British general James Wolfe and French general Louis-Joseph de Montcalm on September 13, 1759, led to the British victory in the Seven Years’ War in North America, which in turn led to the creation of Canada and the United States as we know them today.


Rooted in original research, featuring quotations and images that have never appeared before, Northern Armageddon immerses the reader in the campaign, battle and siege through the eyes of dozens of participants, such as British sailor William Hunter, four Quebec residents enduring the bombing of their city and a teenage Huron warrior. Shifting from perspective to perspective, we move from the bombardment of Quebec to the field of combat, where Montcalm and Wolfe gave their orders but thousands of individual soldiers determined the outcome of the battle. In the final chapters, MacLeod traces the battle’s impact on Canada, the United States, both countries’ Aboriginals and the world, from 1759 into the twenty-first century.

Genres: History, Canada, War, Nonfiction, American Revolution, Military History, American

379 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Killing at this range was an intensely personal act. Soldiers could see their enemies fall and hear them scream as their shots struck home, feel the blood of wounded comrades splatter across their faces, and choke on acrid clouds of black-powder smoke…These clouds of smoke grew larger as firing continued, billowing across the battlefield, blotting out the sun, and making friends and enemies appear and disappear. Every time they fired, soldiers felt the brutal kick of a recoiling musket slamming into their shoulders hard enough to bruise. Tearing open cartridges while gripping them with their teeth spilled grains of powder into their mouths that sucked out the moisture and induced a tormenting thirst…Yet French and British soldiers continued to pull cartridges apart, pour a pinch of powder into the priming pan and the rest down the barrel, followed by the cartridge paper and bullet, use their ramrods to shove everything into place, present their weapon, aim, fire, and do it all again…”
- D. Peter MacLeod, Northern Armageddon: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham and the Making of the American Revolution

It is hard not to fall for the romance of the “decisive battle,” of the high-stakes armed confrontation upon which the fates of nations, empires, or the very course of history might rest. It is fun to allow for that spine-tingling feeling as you ponder what might have happened if some outcome had gone another way, if one group of men had failed or succeeded, or if one general had made a different decision.

The battle outside the walls of Quebec in 1759 has always had a reputation as a kind of world-historical game-changer. It was one of the last acts of the continents-spanning Seven Year’s War, which pitted Great Britain and France (and their allies and proxies) against each other for possession of North America. Within four years of the British victory at Quebec, France had surrendered her American possessions and retreated to a place where they could plot their revenge (revenge they would have, following the outbreak of a colonial revolution in 1775).

There really is no such thing as the decisive battle, however. It is not one battle that changes the world, as much as it is one battle and a dozen or a hundred or a thousand other things.

Still, one can be forgiven for heaping upon the Battle of Quebec a lot of undeserved meaning. In terms of drama, it is hard to beat. It pitted two generals of great talent and sharply-delineated personalities (Wolfe, the romantic fatalist; Montcalm, the urbane continental professional) who both ended up dying in the fight. It took place on a field called “the Plains of Abraham,” which feels incredibly portentous, even biblical (though it was really just named after farmer Abe Martin). Finally, it did mark the end of the turn of the tide for the French.

But that does not mean that Wolfe’s victory in and of itself made the difference. And that is part of the problem with D. Peter MacLeod’s book.

Northern Armageddon provides a detailed, sometimes engrossing, and indisputably thorough account of the Battle of Quebec itself. Yet when it ventures beyond the battle in an attempt to tease out meanings, it proves itself poorly reasoned, conclusory, and more than a little jumbled. MacLeod makes promises he simply cannot keep.

The perfect indication of the failings of Northern Armageddon is encapsulated in the first chapter, which is titled “500,000 Years of History.” That is a pretty breathtaking opening gambit, and the first lines – dedicated to the creation of the Plains of Abraham during the Precambrian Era – seem to announce a book of incredible ambition. And then, after two-and-a-quarter pages, the chapter ends. In terms of concision, that can’t be beat. In terms of setting any kind of context, that amounts to an epic misfire. Not only does MacLeod not cover 500,000 years of history (which, obviously, is unnecessary), but he does not provide any context for the Battle of Quebec whatsoever (until the second-to-last chapter). I am barely exaggerating when I say that there is zero talk about the strategic setting for the battle. If you are not already well versed in the Seven Year’s War (also known as the French and Indian War), you should read up before coming here.

Skipping any kind of summary allows MacLeod to focus solely on every aspect of the Battle of Quebec, which he does in admirable fashion. He provides all the pre-battle maneuvering, the preparations for the three-month siege, the siege (including the lengthy bombardments) itself, and the various issues that arose, such as healthcare and supplies. The battle itself is dealt with methodically, with MacLeod carefully plotting out the various stages.

MacLeod writes in a distractingly interrupted style. His chapters are short, and each chapter is further subdivided into multiple subheadings, some only a paragraph long. Instead of a seamless narrative flow, Northern Armageddon is presented as a series of vaguely connected (or sometimes completely disconnected) packets of information. To be sure, contained within these pages are a lot of interesting nuggets about Eighteenth Century warfare. He also demonstrates, after a fashion, the ebb and flow of the battle in a coherent – if not artistic – manner. But in terms of flow – well, there isn’t any.

I’m usually a pretty soft sell when it comes to passion projects, and Northern Armageddon is clearly a passion project. Unfortunately, I just can’t give it a strong recommendation, or any recommendation at all. There is just so much missing. For example, both Wolfe and Montcalm get their own short chapters, yet neither fascinating character comes alive in any meaningful way. Even when we follow them onto the battlefield, MacLeod makes no attempt to understand what they were trying to accomplish, and why they made the choices they did. After reaching the Plains of Abraham, Wolfe did not begin a siege; instead, he just waited for the French to attack him, at the ground of his choice (which, oddly enough, was not the high ground). The French, after seizing the high ground, unbelievingly decided to oblige Wolfe, and blundered down their hill and into a disaster. MacLeod makes no attempt to penetrate the minds of these generals, or to explain why this clash of talent comes across as a tale of idiocy facing off against stupidity.

Furthermore, MacLeod presents his stuttering version of events as the unchallenged version of the Battle of Quebec. He does not make allowance for or even acknowledge other interpretations. (I’m not going to belabor all these points. If you want to know specifics, meet me at the bar).

Perhaps the most astounding thing about Northern Armageddon is that the penultimate chapter is called “The Road to Quebec.” There, and only there, does MacLeod make any attempt to explain how the British and the French found themselves on the Plains of Abraham in 1759. In other words, after 300 pages, and after the battle is already over, MacLeod suddenly realizes that he might want to make an effort to explain why it was fought. This structure is impossible to rationalize. It’s almost as though, at the manuscript stage, a breeze blew in through the window and scattered all the pages around the room, and it was left to some assistant to try to put things back in order. Instead of putting this chapter out front, though, it somehow got randomly stapled to the end.

Being a historian and being a writer are two different disciplines. It is rather rare that you find true overlap, a history book written by an expert that also has exemplary literary merits. At the time this was published, MacLeod was the curator of the Canadian War Museum. I have no reason to doubt his credentials as a historian. As a written work, however, this has many deficiencies. It is not bad; it is nowhere near bad. Ultimately, it is disappointing. Northern Armageddon resembles a trip through a poorly-designed museum. There are excellent individual exhibits, but they are connected by long, dimly lit, poorly marked hallways, making the overall experience far less memorable than it should have been.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about the Battle of the Plains of Abraham - the battle that basically won Quebec for the British.

Macleod's descriptions of the Battle, in particular the Scots fighting, are particularly good. There's this one old Scot who must have been descended from the Spartans.

He is also even handed. His treatment of both Montcalm and Wolfe does not lionize either men.

[Lancelot Link · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up in the book shop in the Plains of Abraham Museum in Quebec. I wasn't planning on buying a book, but the staff there was so incredibly helpful that I felt I should support them -- and I'd have something to take home to remember the trip by.

What I wasn't expecting such a terrific read: Very informative, very interesting, and well written account of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham and its impact on North American and, for that matter, world history.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after spending several days in Quebec City, including a morning on the Plains of Abraham (which is now a lovely park) and another afternoon along the walls of the city. As a college history major, I had recognized the importance of the "British Conquest" of Quebec but the visit is what got me interested enough to pick up a book about it.

It was a quick read (okay, I skimmed parts) with plenty of drawings, maps and thankfully, a long list of named participants. Author, who is a historian at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, uses primary sources (extensive footnotes at the end of book) to tell the stories of a few ordinary folks in the battle, as well as that of the famous Generals Wolfe and Montcalm. I enjoyed the "ordinary" stories but surprisingly, finished the book without knowing much more about Wolfe and Montcalm than I did at the beginning,

Things I learned: colonial Americans were numerous as members of the British military and especially important as the supply base during this campaign. The British used the "scorched earth" military philosophy to subdue Quebec; they burned farms, barns, churches, etc. all along the St. Lawrence River and then bombarded Quebec City very effectively with cannons. The French fought and planned well all through the campaign except, somehow (never explained well) failed e to realize that there was danger from the difficult but still possible route up the cliffs of Quebec City to the Plains. Quebec City could have been reclaimed by France during treaty negotiations after the war but the sugar islands of the Caribbean were of higher value to France. Interesting thoughts, too, from the author about how British possession of Canada made the American Revolution easier for the colonials.

3.5 rating

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging, useful military history of the campaign for Québec and the battle on the Plains of Abraham. Along with the conventional history of the battle itself, MacLeod describes the experience of normal people caught up events, and does a fine job bringing all of their stories together. MacLeod brings together an impressive range of sources and really brings out the story’s humanity, although his description of troop movements and the area’s geography can get a little confusing, and his desire to include so many perspectives makes the narrative a bit rough.

MacLeod also brings out the story’s banality: neither Wolfe nor Montcalm have been lionized much as any sort of military genius, but their timely death did much to add a bit of luster to their memory. Montcalm, of course, blundered by not fortifying the heights and Wolfe’s assault at Montmorency was the opposite of a well-planned and well-led action. And of course, the ultimate fate of the Canada was perhaps not decided until Amherst’s 1760 campaign against Montreal and the final negotiations in Paris (stories that MacLeod does not cover in as much detail). MacLeod also argues that Montcalm could have won.

A rounded, vivid, and dramatic history.

[Neil Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A model of what good popular history should be. The author's approach is not to follow a chronological time line, but rather to spend an entire section from one side's point of view and then shifting to the other. It works very well and makes it easier to follow a story I didn't know much about. There are plenty of helpful maps, which is essential to tell the story of any battle. The fall of Quebec was the result of an almost unbelievable series of coincidences, miscalculations, and outright mistakes, and very nearly did not happen, and he tells the story very well. But the best part is how he goes beyond the fall of French Canada to explain its importance for America--how, once the threat of French Canada was removed, the colonists didn't need England for protection any longer. And how the loss of Canada motivated the French to help the colonists against England a few years later.
I initially thought the title was a little melodramatic but once I read the details of the campaign I changed my mind. It was a dirty war with lots of burned farms, looted towns and civilian suffering. I learned a great deal and hope this author writes more.

[Vince Tuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a regular reader of military history, and while I appreciated the level of detail of the engagements, I think it would have benefitted from more of a big picture view.

[Julian Haigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly as a book should be focused on one battle. Numerous perspectives within each side, thoroughly researched, great background, play-by-play battle account and then placing in historical context. If you're looking for a 300 page straightforward account of the Battle for the Plains of Abraham, look no further.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be very interesting. It was pretty well written for a history type of book and it gave me some understanding of the French/British relationships of the period, and even of today. I am going to Quebec soon, so it helped me get a bit of knowledge which may enhance my visit.

[Bob Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Macleod's excellent military history brings attention and relevancy to the critical importance of the battle on the plains of Abraham outside of Quebec City. This is a military campaign, often overlooked or ignored by students of history because it is on the fringe and predates the American Revolution. When one thinks of the battle for Quebec, the image that usually comes to mind is the famous picture of the British Commander, Major General Wolfe, dying in the arms of his men, not knowing he has become the victor of the day. What is not well understood, is the importance of this victory to the development of the North American colonies, founded by Britain and the ultimate expansion westward that led to the creation of the United States. The Battle of Quebec was a continuing part of the world wide conflict taking place in the 18th century, between Great Britain, France and Spain, for domination of economic markets and territory in the "New World." Peter Macleod uses diaries, letters, and all types of first hand accounts he has gleaned from extensive research in libraries around the world to bring life, vitality, and great interest to this clash of empires. Had the French prevailed on the plains of Abraham, the history of the development of North America would have been very different. As it was, with the French surrendering at Quebec, Britain took over Canada, and secured its northern frontier, making it possible for expansion into the interior of what was then known as "the Northwest" of North America. This famous battle laid the groundwork for the conflicts that were to arise between Great Britain and the American colonies over trade, import duties, expansion into westward territory, and an expanding war between Native Americans and American colonists, The British were using Indian tribes, the Iriquois and others, as agents to try to keep the American colonists from expanding off the Atlantic seaboard. This book is a superb combination of strategic narrative, and a highly informative individual perspective brought about by diaries and letters, that gives great meaning to this critical military campaign and battle that was a turning point for the history of North America. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in a larger picture of the history of the creation of the United States and understanding of the forces at work that continued to be dynamic tensions on our western frontiers.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent history of the campaign by the British to capture the City of Quebec in 1759 and thus effectively expel France from Canada in 1759. This was a very long campaign and the author emphasizes the importance of the many factors that led to British victory. Far more was involved than a British Army surprising the French by unexpectedly climbing the Quebec Promontory one morning and showing up on the doorstep of the city. Months of preparation, fleets of ships with personnel and supplies, mapping the St. Lawrence River’s currents and depths were all necessary. While climbing the heights of the Quebec Promontory was never part of the original plan, when all else was failing, inspiration and daring resulted in that plan and victory. However, the war wasn’t over after that battlefield victory and the British occupation of Quebec. There was a subsequent regrouping by the French Army and an attempt to recapture the city that the British largely held in abeyance due to the Royal Navy being able to resupply the city and the French navy’s inability to assist their troops in a timely manner.
As for the subtitle’s claim that this battlefield victory led to the American Revolution, a new perspective on that issue is brought forth by the author. Most historians have already connected British taxes imposed on the American colonies were necessary to pay for the victory in the French and Indian War (aka The Seven Years War). These taxes were very unpopular with the Americans and they revolted. This author makes that claim that British victory and the expulsion of France from North America removed a threat from America’s frontiers. Thus, Americans no longer felt that they needed Britain’s protection from France which emboldened the Americans to seek independence from Britain.

[Amanda Borys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. The chapters are divided into smaller segments based on the source person. So a particular situation is told from the point of view of a French provisions sergeant or a British sailor, or even an Aboriginal warrior. This makes the segments shorter, but also keeps the chapters from mixing all the characters so you loose the sense of who is who. I also really liked the fact that the story is told by people from all walks of life. It makes it more real and more of a tragedy.

The author also has a good sense of humour that he uses sparingly. So the occasional sarcastic observation or witty understatement is even more amusing by the author not trying to showcase his wit.

Finally I loved how much I learned about this pivotal period in Canadian history and how, even back in 1759, the Canadians were outperforming their trained European counterparts. Though I will admit that finding out the contest to determine whether Canada would be shaped by the French or the British depended on two very incompetent officers (yes, Wolfe and Montcalm) seeing who could mess up the worst first was kind of sad. But also explained some things about Canada. Also, it was interesting how close the French came to winning Canada back. From some of the comments by the Aboriginal warriors, we may have been a better country if they had.

I will be keeping an eye out for this author and other books he has written about Canadian history.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone interested in North American history, the 7 Years War in North America and/or events leading up to the American Revolutionary War, this book will be of interest, as it details what lead up to, the battle of the Plains of Abraham and how this battle shaped history going forward. There is much discussion of and details related to the military strategies as well. This is not a beach read, but a well documented history.

[Christopher Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Full of personal reflections by major and minor actors during the events that led to the decisive actions along the Plains of Abraham, the author does a great job of melding an explanation of military strategy with the larger socio-political reality of the Seven Years War and indeed, today’s society.

[Jason Born · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work. Readable. Shares snippets from participants' journals. Nice firsthand accounts. And excellent detail. All around recommend for anyone interest in the French & Indian War, the foundation of America, and one of the shortest, most impactful battles in human history.

[Kevin Moynihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. In depth use of primary sources provides a great narrative while at the same time, tying the battle into the larger historical narrative. Very enjoyable.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Northern Armageddon is a fantastic account of the Seven Years War conquest of Canada told in a way that seems to defy the old stories passed down by the British and American victors without doing their triumph any injustice. (Hint: The French were not as easily "steamrolled" as the British & Americans tend to believe)

I found the monograph well written and easy to follow. Seeing the struggle through the eyes of various characters, everyone from leaders at the top to non-combat observers, provides a glimpse into the chaos of 18th century warfare and civilian life in North America.

This book is must read for anyone interested in not just North American history, but world history as the events here helped to reshape the direction the world would eventually head in. It is the end of competing empires in North America, the catalyst for the American Revolution and subsequently, the conquest of the rest of the unknown world by the British which, as we know, through the effects of colonialism still effects us today. Regrettably it is an event which few people know about but with Canada's 150 anniversary of confederation upon us now is the perfect time to dive into these hidden treasures of history.

[Bookwoman67 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty thorough coverage of Canada's pivotal battle during the Seven Years War (French and Indian War here in the US) from many perspectives. One drawback is that at the beginning the author skips from historical figure to historical figure without giving them too much depth, so that it is a bit confusing. This clears up some over the course of the book, but a little more focus at the beginning would have been nice. Also, the whole background leading up to and importance of the battle is covered at the end of the book, rather than the beginning; I found this kind of odd and thought that those not familiar with the war would benefit from having it explained beforehand. Despite the flaws, this is the kind of in depth coverage of historical events I enjoy reading.

[Alec Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolfe's defeat of the French and capture of Quebec in 1759 (ending with a battle in which both Wolfe, and the French commander Montcalm, were killed) is the decisive battle of the Seven Years War in America, but I have never seen a detailed account of the campaign, except for Francis Parkman's classic works from the 19th century. This comprehensive account draws on all available sources from both sides. I had no idea what an extensive and difficult campaign it was, and it's an amazing story.

[Adam Gutschenritter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great use of historical sources to place the battle in context of the war as a whole. In his descriptions of its importance to history....there his argument seems to stretch what is coincidence and what is causation. Still, a easy read for an interesting period of time that I wanted to know more about.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good grief. I would never have finished this audiobook if it weren't required. It's one thing to read a very detailed, dry history of a semi-obscure event, but listening to one without any expression or dramatization is another.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Quebec stuff! Before I leave on Wednesday!
****************
The analysis wasn't overly deep, but the use and depth of firsthand accounts was impressive and compelling - it reads as an oral history of 1759 Quebec.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goofy title belies a very well-crafted history of the battle on the Plains of Abraham and its globally consequential aftermath. Makes nice use of a variety of primary sources, from simple soldiers and local nurses, to well-known generals and politicians.

[Brad Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traditional military history; well-written and accessible. In the concluding chapters, Macleod acknowledges the importance of the battle to Native peoples in North America; it would have been nice if their roles and perspectives had been more fully explored throughout the text.

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable and seems very well researched. Not as many side excursions as Death or Victory; depends on your preference.

[Curt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 The first two sections were kind of disjointed. I know the author was setting up the battle but it was sort of hard to follow. Everything after the first two sections was very good.

[Jim Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written and thorough book on French and Indian war, specifically the Battle of Quebec. Several years ago, my brother and I toured the Plains of Abraham and the Fort.