Battle Description

The Battle of Quebec was the climax of the Continental Army’s ill-fated invasion of Canada. After a grueling march through the Maine wilderness, Benedict Arnold joined forces with General Richard Montgomery to assault the fortified city of Quebec on New Year’s Eve, 1775. The attack was launched during a snowstorm in hopes of catching the British defenders off guard.

The plan quickly unraveled. Montgomery was killed early in the assault, Arnold was wounded, and the American forces were repelled and captured in large numbers. The British, under General Guy Carleton, held the city and maintained control of Canada throughout the war.

Outcome

• Outcome: British victory; American invasion of Canada failed.
• Casualties:
  • American: ~50 killed, ~34 wounded, ~426 captured
  • British: ~5 killed, ~14 wounded

Significance on the Revolution

The defeat at Quebec ended American hopes of bringing Canada into the rebellion. It was a major setback for the Continental Army and tarnished Arnold’s reputation—though he was later praised for his leadership under extreme conditions. The battle also solidified British control of Canada and forced the Americans to retreat from the northern theater, refocusing their efforts on defending the colonies.