This print depicts the capture of Québec City by General Wolfe’s British troops on September 13, 1759. This pivotal moment in the Seven Years’ War marked the end of French rule of the city and, eventually, over New France. The British assault arrived down the St. Lawrence River and spread rapidly across the Plains of Abraham.

1759 - 1759

France and Great Britain wage war

In 1759, the struggle between France and Great Britain to control North America came to a head. That year, New France—a territory then covering almost two thirds of the continent—fell under British rule. The event took place on the Plains of Abraham in Québec City, where the armies of generals James Wolfe and Louis-Joseph de Montcalm skirmished on the morning of September 13. Though both generals died in battle, the British were victorious by the end of the confrontation. A chapter in history had come to an end. New France was no more, and its territory had become part of the British Empire.

View of the capture of Québec City, September 13, 1759

Hervey Smyth This print depicts the capture of Québec City by General Wolfe’s British troops on September 13, 1759. This pivotal moment in the Seven Years’ War marked the end of French rule of the city and, eventually, over New France. The British assault arrived down the St. Lawrence River and spread rapidly across the Plains of Abraham.

Chronoscope What do you notice in this piece? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1759

Source: Library and Archives Canada Acc. No. R9266-2096, Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana / Copyright expired - Date: (1774 - 1784)

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