The first major American defeat of the Revolutionary War, halting the Continental Army's invasion of Canada.
Key Facts
- Date
- December 31, 1775
- American prisoners taken
- More than 400 men
- Notable American killed
- General Richard Montgomery
- Notable American wounded
- Benedict Arnold
- Montreal captured by Americans
- November 13, 1775
- Weather during attack
- Blinding snowstorm
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
American forces under Montgomery and Arnold invaded Quebec as part of a broader campaign to bring Canada into the Revolutionary cause. Montgomery captured Montreal on November 13, 1775, then joined Arnold's force, which had marched through the wilderness of northern New England. Facing expiring enlistments and a reinforced Quebec garrison under Governor Guy Carleton, Montgomery chose to attack before year's end.
On December 31, 1775, American forces launched a two-pronged assault on Quebec City in a snowstorm. Montgomery was killed by cannon fire early in the attack, causing his column to retreat. Arnold was wounded soon after, and Daniel Morgan took command of the second force, which penetrated the lower city but was ultimately trapped and forced to surrender along with more than 400 men.
The failed assault was the first major American defeat of the Revolutionary War and effectively ended the invasion of Canada. Arnold maintained a token blockade of Quebec through winter, but the arrival of British reinforcements in spring 1776 forced the Americans to withdraw entirely, securing Canada for the British for the remainder of the conflict.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Richard Montgomery, Benedict Arnold, Daniel Morgan.
Side B
1 belligerent
Guy Carleton.