Importing the revolution: The image of America in French-Canadian political discourse, 1805-1837.

Abstract

Between 1805 and 1837, the image of America assumed very different meanings within French-Canadian political discourse. America, which had appeared as a globally negative model before 1815, came in the 1830's to serve as an inspiration for the establishment of a French-Canadian republic, resistance to colonial rule and eventually the necessity of rebellion against that rule. Essentially though, these changes were effected within the same pattern of political discourse, one emphasizing the continuing conflict between the forces of virtue and corruption. Indeed, it is this very pattern which can explain the prominent place of the American image. Once virtue was associated with North America and corruption with Europe, no other political image could acquire the meaning which was ultimately associated with that of the United States. The failure of the Rebellions and the survival of the French-Canadian identity under British rule should not obscure this important stage in the development of French-Canadian political discourse.