What action did Guy Carleton advocate?

• A. He promoted expulsion of Canadiens.
• B. He urged Britain to pass the Quebec Act to gain support of Canadiens.
• C. He restricted fur trade.
• D. He granted independence to Quebec.

Answer: (B)

Carleton believed the way to keep French Canada loyal to Britain was to address their concerns and rights. He argued that Britain should pass the Quebec Act, which would recognize French civil law for private matters, allow the free practice of Catholicism, and extend Quebec’s territory. By preserving their religion and legal traditions, Canadiens would feel less drawn to the American rebellion and more inclined to remain under British rule. This conciliatory move aimed to stabilize the colony and secure Canadian support for Britain during a period of upheaval.

Expelling Canadiens would provoke resistance, restricting the fur trade would undermine the colony’s economy and alienate traders, and granting independence would contradict Britain’s goals in North America at the time.