Battle of Montgomery's Tavern
Background
The Battle of Montgomery's Tavern was a pivotal event in the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, a series of armed uprisings against the colonial government in what is now Ontario, Canada. The rebellion was part of a broader wave of discontent in the British Empire, including the Lower Canada Rebellion in present-day Quebec. The tensions in Upper Canada were fueled by grievances against the Family Compact, a small group of elites who dominated the political and economic landscape of the colony. The rebels, led by William Lyon Mackenzie, sought to establish a more democratic and representative government.
Prelude to the Battle
The roots of the rebellion can be traced back to the early 19th century when settlers in Upper Canada began to express dissatisfaction with the colonial administration. The Family Compact wielded significant power, controlling the Executive Council of Upper Canada and influencing the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. This oligarchic control led to widespread frustration among the settlers, who felt disenfranchised and marginalized.
In the years leading up to the battle, Mackenzie, a fiery journalist and politician, emerged as a leading voice of dissent. He used his newspaper, the Colonial Advocate, to criticize the government and advocate for reform. Mackenzie's rhetoric resonated with many settlers, who were eager for change. In 1837, inspired by the Patriot War in Lower Canada, Mackenzie and his followers began to organize an armed uprising.
The Battle
The battle took place on December 7, 1837, at Montgomery's Tavern, a two-story brick building located on Yonge Street, north of Toronto. The tavern served as the headquarters for Mackenzie and his rebel forces, who had gathered there in anticipation of a confrontation with government troops. The rebels, numbering around 800, were primarily farmers and laborers armed with muskets, pitchforks, and other makeshift weapons.
The government forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel James FitzGibbon, were better equipped and trained. They consisted of approximately 1,000 soldiers, including members of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and local militia. FitzGibbon's strategy was to disperse the rebels quickly and decisively, preventing them from gaining further support.
The battle commenced in the early morning hours, with FitzGibbon's forces advancing on the tavern. Despite their numerical advantage, the rebels were quickly overwhelmed by the disciplined government troops. The engagement was brief, lasting only about 30 minutes, and resulted in a decisive victory for the government. The rebels were forced to retreat, and many were captured or killed.
Aftermath
The defeat at Montgomery's Tavern marked a turning point in the Upper Canada Rebellion. Mackenzie fled to the United States, where he continued to advocate for reform and organized raids along the Canadian border. The rebellion in Upper Canada ultimately failed to achieve its immediate goals, but it did lead to significant political changes in the colony.
In the wake of the rebellion, the British government appointed Lord Durham to investigate the causes of the unrest in both Upper and Lower Canada. His report, known as the Durham Report, recommended the unification of the two colonies and the establishment of responsible government. These recommendations laid the groundwork for the Act of Union 1840 and the eventual confederation of Canada in 1867.
Legacy
The Battle of Montgomery's Tavern is remembered as a symbol of the struggle for democratic reform in Canada. While the rebellion itself was unsuccessful, it highlighted the need for political change and set the stage for future reforms. The tavern, which was destroyed during the battle, has since been commemorated with a historical plaque and a replica building that serves as a reminder of this important chapter in Canadian history.
The legacy of the rebellion is also reflected in the broader narrative of Canadian history, as it contributed to the development of a more inclusive and representative political system. The events at Montgomery's Tavern continue to be studied by historians and scholars as a key moment in the evolution of Canadian democracy.