History Books Never Mention The Unusual Scheme By The United States To Invade Canada

Canada has long been one of the United States' staunchest allies, so why would Americans ever consider invading its friendly neighbor to the north? Well, the two governments weren't always so friendly. At the height of the Revolutionary War, patriot forces formed a plan with the potential to drive the British army out of North America for good. It looked to be a stroke of genius, but the campaign soon took a turn for a worse — and may have been responsible for the greatest betrayal in American history.

A Bold Strategy

Early on in the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress hatched a risky plan for an American victory. The Thirteen Colonies sought to take over Canada in 1775, but not just for land or resources. They hoped that their neighbors up north would be inspired and start an uprising of their own. The Americans wanted their independence from the British. Wouldn't the French Canadians want the same?

City Protests

The Americans felt they had plenty of factors on their side. Britain had gotten control of Canada about ten years earlier after the French and Indian War, so Catholic French Canadians had recently fallen under the control of the British Empire. George Washington wanted to ensure them his troops were there to protect them from the British if the red coats invaded.

Possible Allies

A not-yet-traitorous Benedict Arnold foresaw Quebec City as the key target of an invasion. Besides its large French population, who had only recently come under British rule, the city was a hub for the valuable fur trade. In June 1775, Benedict Arnold wrote to the Continental Congress about his plan. Officials had a strong reaction to his proposal.

Battle Plans

Washington, like many other leaders, viewed Arnold as one of the most capable field commanders in the makeshift American army. On paper, the Canadian invasion could be an easy success. The British forces up north were limited. In the whole of Canada, there supposedly were not even 800 British troops. In Quebec City, there were less than 300. But then the complications arose.