American Forces Defeated at Battle of Quebec

Summary

In late 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, Continental Army leaders sought to secure Canada as a fourteenth colony and gain French-Canadian support against Britain. General Richard Montgomery advanced from Montreal while Colonel Benedict Arnold led a grueling march through Maine to join him outside Quebec City. On December 31, amid a fierce blizzard, the combined forces launched a nighttime assault on the heavily fortified city defended by Governor Guy Carleton. Montgomery was killed early in the attack, Arnold was wounded, and hundreds of Americans were captured after failing to breach the walls. The defeat ended the invasion of Canada and forced the survivors into a prolonged but ultimately unsuccessful siege.