“The 1837 rebellions in Canada were caused more by political than economic factors.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the 1837 rebellions in Canada were caused more by political than economic factors. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of political and economic factors, or they may prioritize their discussion of either. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the linguistic and religious divisions between the British ruling class and the French residents in Lower Canada, the impact of falling grain prices and the cholera epidemic unwittingly caused by British migrants. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example in Upper Canada the abuse of political power by the “Family Compact”, discontent with the favouritism granted to supporters of the Church of England and the denial of political rights to Loyalist emigres, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

There were virtually no responses on the 1837 rebellions in Canada.