The Battles
The Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park, was the scene of two decisive battles between the French and British Empires, in which members of First Nations also played a part. In Québec City, these battles marked the defining moments of the siege that unfolded between the spring of 1759 and the spring of 1760. Discover the regiments that faced one another, the strategies they employed, and the individuals who helped shape the course of history.
An Episode of the Seven Years' War
Americans know it as the French and Indian War; in Québec it is known as the War of the Conquest; in Europe, mostly as the Seven Years' War. It is generally considered as the first world-wide conflict – the confrontations took place in Europe, America and Asia –, and it lasted from 1756 to 1763*. Moreover, due to the play of alliances, most European nations and their colonies were involved in a conflict that pitted against each other the French and British Crowns and their respective allies. The objectives differed according to the interests of each State, but for France and Great Britain the stakes were mostly economic. The two powers confronted each other to impose their commercial supremacy to the four corners of the earth.
The Seven Years' War can be considered as the continuation of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) that ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. However, this peace could easily be broken, since none of the powers involved in the war were truly satisfied with what they had gained. Moreover, the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle could not calm down the imperialistic claims of France and England**. The context was therefore favourable to a new conflict, and the first battles took place on American soil.
Battle of the Plains of Abraham
On the Plains of Abraham, on September 13, 1759, the French army, the Canadian militia, and their First Nation allies, under the command of General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, fought the British army led by General James Wolfe.
After a long siege lasting over two months, the battle proved decisive for the outcome of the Seven Years’ War in North America.
Battle of Sainte-Foy
On April 28, 1760, General James Murray led the British army onto the Plains of Abraham to fight the French army and the Canadian militia led by François-Gaston de Lévis. In this final attempt to take back Quebec City after their defeat in 1759, the French and Canadians tried to turn the tide and hoped to maintain control over the St. Lawrence valley.
The fighting took place notably at the Dumont Mill, located on the present-day site of Des Braves Park. Standing 10 metres tall and solidly built, the mill became a strategic stronghold.
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*William M. Fowler Jr., Empires art War : The Seven Year's War and the Struggle for North America, 1754-1763. Vancouver, Douglas & McIntyre, 2005, p. 1.
**Daniel Marston, The Seven Year's War, Wellingborough (UK), Osprey, 2001, p. 7.
