Life Under the Constitutional Act (1791–1840)

​In 1791, Great Britain introduced a new constitution called the Constitutional Act. The Province of Quebec then became two separate territories called Upper Canada and Lower Canada.

In response to the demands of a number of social groups in the colony, a Legislative Assembly was eventually established in each of the Canadas. The introduction of this form of democracy marked the beginning of parliamentarianism in the colonies.

New ideologies such as liberalism and nationalism began to emerge in Canadien society, particularly through print media. Rising tensions between the Canadiens and the British caused the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada to become the scene of various debates and conflicts. This conflict-ridden atmosphere lasted for more than 40 years and finally culminated in an armed struggle known as the Patriote rebellions of 1837 and 1838.