Lower Canada

Lower Canada was a British colony that roughly corresponds to present-day Quebec, established in 1791 after the British took control of New France. It was characterized by a predominantly French-speaking population and a strong cultural identity rooted in French traditions. The colony's government was divided between appointed officials and an elected assembly, although the British authorities held significant power. Tensions between French Canadians and the British authorities, along with issues of political representation and cultural preservation, led to movements for reform. Lower Canada existed until 1841, when it merged with Upper Canada to form the Province of Canada, now Ontario and Quebec.