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The 14th Colony: Benedict Arnold, Guy Carleton, and the Battle of Quebec

Historic Studios

On New Year’s Eve 1775, in the midst of a blinding blizzard, the Continental Army launched an assault on the fortress city of Quebec. It was the climax of the first major offensive of the American Revolution, a bold attempt by Congress to seize the "14th Colony" and drive the British Empire off the continent.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Paul Knight to break down the 1775 Invasion of Canada. We analyze the strategic logic behind the invasion, the brutal operational difficulties faced by Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery (from smallpox to starvation), and the tactical reality of the street fighting in the Lower Town.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why the Continental Congress authorized an invasion of Canada.
  • The logistical nightmare of moving an army through the Maine wilderness.
  • General Guy Carleton’s defense of the city.
  • The disastrous assault on December 31, 1775.

🔓 The Full Uncut Episode, available now in The War Room, we go even deeper. We discuss:

  • The Shadow of 1759: How Wolfe’s victory in the Seven Years' War affected the 1775 American battle plan.
  • The Canadian Militia: Who actually defended Canada? We break down the makeup of the French-Canadian irregulars.
  • Carleton’s Command: A profile of the British commander who saved Canada.

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General Recommended Reading

The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy

Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns

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