American invasion of 1775–76

On 27 June 1775, during the American Revolutionary War, the second Continental Congress decided to invade Quebec, hoping to strike a blow at Britain’s position in North America and to block any British attempt to use Quebec as a base from which to invade the Thirteen Colonies. The support Britain expected from the Canadians was never forthcoming and the Americans captured in succession Fort Chambly, Fort St Johns, Montreal, and Sorel. However, the attack – disastrous for the Americans – that was launched against the town of Quebec by Richard Montgomery on the night of 30–31 Dec. 1775 was a prelude to a complete rout of the American army. The Americans continued the siege until May 1776 but left the colony when British reinforcements arrived.