Episode 041: Bruno Paul Stenson, Canada & the American Revolution

by Liz CovartAugust 4, 2015

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Isles_of_Montreal,_1761 — Montréal, 1761

Did Canada almost join the American Revolution?

In September 1775, Major-General Philip Schuyler launched the Patriot’s invasion into Canada.

The Patriots hoped to end the threat of a British invasion from the north by occupying Canada and bringing the colony into the American Revolution.

Did the Patriots’ plans work?

Today, we discuss Canada and how the American Revolution played out there with Bruno Paul Stenson, an historian and musicologist with the Château de Ramezay historic site in Montréal. Château de Ramezay served as the headquarters for the American forces between 1775 and 1776.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with an historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we discuss New France and the American Revolution in Canada with Bruno Paul Stenson, an historian and musicologist with the Château de Ramezay historic site in Montréal. The Château de Ramezay served as the headquarters for the American forces between 1775 and 1776.

During our conversation, Bruno reveals information about Canada’s French history; the founding of Montréal and its importance to the colony of New France; And the role the Château de Ramezay played during the American Revolution.

What You’ll Discover

Musicology and the work of a musicologist
French settlement of New France
Information about the colonists of New France
The founding of Montréal and its role in the French fur trade
Relationships between the colonists of New France and Native American peoples
Claude de Ramezay and his decision to build the Château de Ramezay
Information about what it cost to build a house in early Montréal
What the Château de Ramezay looked like in early 1700s
Description of Montréal’s appearance in the early 18th century
Information about the Notre Dame Cathedral of Montréal
The Montréal Fire of 1721
Information about the Compagnie des Indes Orientales
How the Compagnie des Indes Orientales came to occupy the Château de Ramezay
The involvement of the Compagnie des Indes Orientales in the slave trade
The role of the Château de Ramezay during American occupation in 1775-1776
The American Revolution in Canada
How Canadians felt about the American Revolution and the American invasion of Canada
Details about the American attack on Québec in 1775
Information about the diplomatic mission of Charles Carroll, Samuel Chase, and Benjamin Franklin
How Montréal got its first English-speaking newspaper
History of the Château de Ramezay after the American Revolution
What you will see at the Château de Ramezay
Why Bruno thinks the Château de Ramezay is on UNESCO’s 1,001 historic sites everyone should see
Details about the Quebec Act of 1774
Special events at the Château de Ramezay

Chateau de Ramezay — Château de Ramezay, Montréal

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Other Episodes in our 5-part “Happy Birthday United States” Series
Episode 037: Kathleen DuVal, Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution
Episode 038: Carolyn Harris, Magna Carta & Its Gifts to North America
Episode 039: Eric Nelson, The Royalist Revolution: Monarchy and the American Founding
Episode 040: Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon, For Fear of an Elective King: George Washington and the Presidential Title Controversy of 1789

Time Warp Question

In your opinion what might have happened if the Americans had held Montréal in 1776? Do you think Québec would have become the 14th state of the United States?