Old wounds slow to heal on Plains of Abraham - CBC News
- Thread starter Yrys
- Start date
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That's what is on the books but, at the time, France was up to it's eyeballs in insurection with the Revolution.
Their navy was in tatters & there was no way they could send troops or ships over here to project force.
I would presume the British figured that the two islands were insignificant enough that they could be overlooked ... or taken at a later date.
Their navy was in tatters & there was no way they could send troops or ships over here to project force.
I would presume the British figured that the two islands were insignificant enough that they could be overlooked ... or taken at a later date.
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geo said:
I beg to differ, the revolution happened in 1789, you're off the mark by thirty years.
France was still in tatters though but that was because of the 7 years' war, not the revolution.
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There was, of course, nothing insignificant about France having a permanent base near the Grand Banks. Possession of the French Shore in Newfoundland was the basis for a fair amount of bloodshed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The French reasonably considered St. Pierre and Miquelon to be of more commercial value than the rest of New France. There was a considerable amount of horse-trading at the end of the Seven Year's War. Allowing the French to retain those islands was not a British oversight.
The French population of those islands was deported by the British during both the American revolution and the wars with the French following their revolution. The French were at pains to ensure they retained sovereignty over those islands after each of those conflicts.
The French population of those islands was deported by the British during both the American revolution and the wars with the French following their revolution. The French were at pains to ensure they retained sovereignty over those islands after each of those conflicts.
- Reaction score
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I hope so as I don't see any point to the event anyway.
Instead, take the money and make a documentary that can be used in schools for years to come.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/586161
Tories may scrap Plains of Abraham event
Alexander Panetta
THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA – Controversy over a planned re-enactment of France's historic defeat on the Plains of Abraham is prompting the federal government to consider scrapping the event.
Political commentators have called the event an insult, sovereigntists are expressing outrage, and even some federalist politicians like Premier Jean Charest are promising to stay away.
Now the government says it might back away from plans to re-enact the 250th anniversary of the Quebec City battle that set the stage for British dominance in North America.
The head of the National Battlefields Commission said there will still be numerous events commemorating the anniversary – but the contentious battle re-enactment is under consideration.
Andre Juneau said Wednesday that changes to the schedule could be announced by next week.
"We've been listening to what people are saying," Juneau, chairman of the battlefields commission, said in an interview.
"We're looking at that (event). We'll be getting back to you shortly – next week at the latest."
With the political sensitivities running high, the Conservative government appeared to have washed its hands of the event.
Some Tories refused to speak about the re-enactment, express support for it, or say how much federal money might be spent on it.
The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment and Heritage Minister James Moore's office referred all queries to the departmental bureaucrats at the battlefields commission.
When asked whether Prime Minister Stephen Harper might attend the event, to be held almost six months from now, a spokesman replied: ``We're focused on the economy."
Quebec sovereigntists have promised to protest outside the event, which they see as an insulting reminder of the defeat of their French ancestors.
While the federal minister overseeing the event refused to discuss it, the minister of national revenue was left defending it.
Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn blamed separatists for trying to stir up a scandal.
"It's the re-enactment of a historical event. It's not a party – nor should it be interpreted as a party," Blackburn said.
"There are people trying to turn this into a political event to help them work toward their ultimate goal of separating Quebec."
The minister cited his own family history as a sign of how people in Canada learned long ago how to live together.
He noted that his last name is descended from a family of soldiers that fought in British general James Wolfe's army – and not the side led by French general Louis Joseph de Montcalm.
Government officials note that the last re-enactment – which occurred a decade ago, when the sovereigntist PQ was governing in Quebec – drew nary a peep at the time.
Another federalist politician accused his sovereigntist colleagues of trying to fan the flames of indignation.
"What I find disgraceful is how the Bloc and their sovereigntist allies want to politicize this. It's cheap," said Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez.
"It's not a celebration. It's just a re-enactment. This kind of thing has happened often, all over the world.
"It's a historical event, it interests some people and others, no."
But the Bloc Quebecois continued demanding that the re-enactment be cancelled.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he was fine with other events related to the anniversary, which include architectural digs, guided cruises and art exhibits.
"If they want to do historical symposiums, I've got nothing against that," Duceppe said.
"But when they say it's not a festive event – and there's a masked ball – I don't know what they do during masked balls when they're not festive."
The masked ball in question is a re-enactment of a party held by residents of New France in an act of defiance against British troops as they prepared a blockade of Quebec City.
It is scheduled in June, one month before the battle re-enactment was slated to begin.
In Quebec's popular lore, the battle of the Plains is considered the end of francophone autonomy in North America.
However, some historians question the importance of that one specific battle and point out that the Seven Years' War raged on four more years, in both Europe and the New World colonies, until 1763.
Others point out that even if France had won that battle, Quebec might have been gobbled up by the United States 40 years later.
Napoleon sold over 2 million square kilometres to the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase, as part of an anti-British military strategic alliance with then-president Thomas Jefferson.
Unlike Quebec, those territories – which span from Alberta and Saskatchewan, down to the Gulf of Mexico – have largely lost their francophone character.
Instead, take the money and make a documentary that can be used in schools for years to come.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/586161
Tories may scrap Plains of Abraham event
Alexander Panetta
THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA – Controversy over a planned re-enactment of France's historic defeat on the Plains of Abraham is prompting the federal government to consider scrapping the event.
Political commentators have called the event an insult, sovereigntists are expressing outrage, and even some federalist politicians like Premier Jean Charest are promising to stay away.
Now the government says it might back away from plans to re-enact the 250th anniversary of the Quebec City battle that set the stage for British dominance in North America.
The head of the National Battlefields Commission said there will still be numerous events commemorating the anniversary – but the contentious battle re-enactment is under consideration.
Andre Juneau said Wednesday that changes to the schedule could be announced by next week.
"We've been listening to what people are saying," Juneau, chairman of the battlefields commission, said in an interview.
"We're looking at that (event). We'll be getting back to you shortly – next week at the latest."
With the political sensitivities running high, the Conservative government appeared to have washed its hands of the event.
Some Tories refused to speak about the re-enactment, express support for it, or say how much federal money might be spent on it.
The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment and Heritage Minister James Moore's office referred all queries to the departmental bureaucrats at the battlefields commission.
When asked whether Prime Minister Stephen Harper might attend the event, to be held almost six months from now, a spokesman replied: ``We're focused on the economy."
Quebec sovereigntists have promised to protest outside the event, which they see as an insulting reminder of the defeat of their French ancestors.
While the federal minister overseeing the event refused to discuss it, the minister of national revenue was left defending it.
Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn blamed separatists for trying to stir up a scandal.
"It's the re-enactment of a historical event. It's not a party – nor should it be interpreted as a party," Blackburn said.
"There are people trying to turn this into a political event to help them work toward their ultimate goal of separating Quebec."
The minister cited his own family history as a sign of how people in Canada learned long ago how to live together.
He noted that his last name is descended from a family of soldiers that fought in British general James Wolfe's army – and not the side led by French general Louis Joseph de Montcalm.
Government officials note that the last re-enactment – which occurred a decade ago, when the sovereigntist PQ was governing in Quebec – drew nary a peep at the time.
Another federalist politician accused his sovereigntist colleagues of trying to fan the flames of indignation.
"What I find disgraceful is how the Bloc and their sovereigntist allies want to politicize this. It's cheap," said Liberal MP Pablo Rodriguez.
"It's not a celebration. It's just a re-enactment. This kind of thing has happened often, all over the world.
"It's a historical event, it interests some people and others, no."
But the Bloc Quebecois continued demanding that the re-enactment be cancelled.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said he was fine with other events related to the anniversary, which include architectural digs, guided cruises and art exhibits.
"If they want to do historical symposiums, I've got nothing against that," Duceppe said.
"But when they say it's not a festive event – and there's a masked ball – I don't know what they do during masked balls when they're not festive."
The masked ball in question is a re-enactment of a party held by residents of New France in an act of defiance against British troops as they prepared a blockade of Quebec City.
It is scheduled in June, one month before the battle re-enactment was slated to begin.
In Quebec's popular lore, the battle of the Plains is considered the end of francophone autonomy in North America.
However, some historians question the importance of that one specific battle and point out that the Seven Years' War raged on four more years, in both Europe and the New World colonies, until 1763.
Others point out that even if France had won that battle, Quebec might have been gobbled up by the United States 40 years later.
Napoleon sold over 2 million square kilometres to the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase, as part of an anti-British military strategic alliance with then-president Thomas Jefferson.
Unlike Quebec, those territories – which span from Alberta and Saskatchewan, down to the Gulf of Mexico – have largely lost their francophone character.
- Reaction score
- 3,105
- Points
- 1,160
From here: http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/jokes/bljokefrenchmilitaryhistory.htm It's a joke, save the flames.
French Military History in a Nutshell
Gallic Wars: Lost. In a war whose ending foreshadows the next 2000 years of French history, France is conquered by of all things, an Italian.
Hundred Years War: Mostly lost, saved at last by a female schizophrenic who inadvertently creates The First Rule of French Warfare - "France's armies are victorious only when not led by a Frenchmen."
Italian Wars: Lost. France becomes the first and only country ever to lose two wars when fighting Italians.
Wars of Religion: France goes 0-5-4 against the Huguenots.
Thirty Years' War: France is technically not a participant, but manages to get invaded anyway. Claims a tie on the basis that eventually the other participants started ignoring her.
War of Devolution: Tied; Frenchmen take to wearing red flowerpots as chapeaux.
The Dutch War: Tied.
War of the Augsburg League/King William's War/French and Indian War: Lost, but claimed as a tie. Deluded Frogophiles the world over label the period as the height of French Military Power.
War of the Spanish Succession: Lost. The War also gave the French their first taste of a Marlborough, which they have loved ever since.
American Revolution: In a move that will become quite familiar to future Americans, France claims a win even though the English colonists saw far more action. This is later known as "de Gaulle Syndrome", and leads to the Second Rule of French Warfare: "France only wins when America does most of the fighting".
French Revolution: Won, primarily due to the fact that the opponent was also French.
The Napoleonic Wars: Lost. Temporary victories (remember the First Rule!) due to leadership of a Corsican, who ended up being no match for a British footwear designer.
The Franco-Prussian War: Lost. Germany first plays the role of drunk Frat boy to France's ugly girl home alone on a Saturday night.
WWI: Tied and on the way to losing, France is saved by the United States. Thousands of French women find out what it's like not only to sleep with a winner, but one who doesn't call her "Fraulein." Sadly, widespread use of condoms by American forces forestalls any improvement in the French bloodline.
WWII: Lost. Conquered French liberated by the United States and Britain just as they finish learning the Horst Wessel Song.
War in Indochina: Lost. French forces plead sickness, take to bed with Dien Bien Flu.
Algerian Rebellion: Lost. Loss marks the first defeat of a Western army by a Non-Turkic Muslim force since the Crusades, and produces the First Rule of Muslim Warfare -"We can always beat the French." This rule is identical to the First Rules of the Italians, Russians, Germans, English, Dutch, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Eskimos.
War on Terrorism: France, keeping in mind its recent history, surrenders to Germans and Muslims just to be safe.
I wonder if we were celebrating a French victory if there would be as much stink.
French Military History in a Nutshell
Gallic Wars: Lost. In a war whose ending foreshadows the next 2000 years of French history, France is conquered by of all things, an Italian.
Hundred Years War: Mostly lost, saved at last by a female schizophrenic who inadvertently creates The First Rule of French Warfare - "France's armies are victorious only when not led by a Frenchmen."
Italian Wars: Lost. France becomes the first and only country ever to lose two wars when fighting Italians.
Wars of Religion: France goes 0-5-4 against the Huguenots.
Thirty Years' War: France is technically not a participant, but manages to get invaded anyway. Claims a tie on the basis that eventually the other participants started ignoring her.
War of Devolution: Tied; Frenchmen take to wearing red flowerpots as chapeaux.
The Dutch War: Tied.
War of the Augsburg League/King William's War/French and Indian War: Lost, but claimed as a tie. Deluded Frogophiles the world over label the period as the height of French Military Power.
War of the Spanish Succession: Lost. The War also gave the French their first taste of a Marlborough, which they have loved ever since.
American Revolution: In a move that will become quite familiar to future Americans, France claims a win even though the English colonists saw far more action. This is later known as "de Gaulle Syndrome", and leads to the Second Rule of French Warfare: "France only wins when America does most of the fighting".
French Revolution: Won, primarily due to the fact that the opponent was also French.
The Napoleonic Wars: Lost. Temporary victories (remember the First Rule!) due to leadership of a Corsican, who ended up being no match for a British footwear designer.
The Franco-Prussian War: Lost. Germany first plays the role of drunk Frat boy to France's ugly girl home alone on a Saturday night.
WWI: Tied and on the way to losing, France is saved by the United States. Thousands of French women find out what it's like not only to sleep with a winner, but one who doesn't call her "Fraulein." Sadly, widespread use of condoms by American forces forestalls any improvement in the French bloodline.
WWII: Lost. Conquered French liberated by the United States and Britain just as they finish learning the Horst Wessel Song.
War in Indochina: Lost. French forces plead sickness, take to bed with Dien Bien Flu.
Algerian Rebellion: Lost. Loss marks the first defeat of a Western army by a Non-Turkic Muslim force since the Crusades, and produces the First Rule of Muslim Warfare -"We can always beat the French." This rule is identical to the First Rules of the Italians, Russians, Germans, English, Dutch, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Eskimos.
War on Terrorism: France, keeping in mind its recent history, surrenders to Germans and Muslims just to be safe.
I wonder if we were celebrating a French victory if there would be as much stink.
- Reaction score
- 7,825
- Points
- 1,360
So you can speak for all of them??
..and I'm sure if was just a new one time thing that hadn't been done before then, yea, darn skippy there would be protests.
..and I'm sure if was just a new one time thing that hadn't been done before then, yea, darn skippy there would be protests.
- Reaction score
- 3,105
- Points
- 1,160
In related news, all British Commonwealth regiments are to immediately burn their colours, and retire their battle honours, in order to not offend those persons defeated in said actions. Denmark and Sweden have been ordered by the international court to apologize to the rest of Europe for the Viking raids of the 10th and 11th centuries.
- Reaction score
- 10,416
- Points
- 1,160
Gdammit. They should NOT cancel the event.
Instead they should finally get around to disabusing Quebecers (and the rest of Canada) that this was an English-French thing. IT WAS NOT.
It was an extension of the Huguenot Wars that started in France with some Franco-Spanish borderers (the Bourbons) having a debate with the Belgian Guise clan (backed by Stuarts/Stewarts and Medicis) over the who would get to sit on the throne in Paris. The Guise pretended they were Catholics, and the Bourbons pretended they were Protestants until they decided it made more sense to pretend to be Catholics.
Between 1525 and 1815 you couldn't tell one army from the other on the basis of nationality. Frenchmen fought under the Union Jack as did Germans, Swiss, Portuguese and Spanish. Englishmen, Scots and Irishmen fought under French flags. And that included at Quebec.
Montcalm's bloody Aide de Camp was a Scotsman. Johnstone. Its nae bluidy wunner that the gardes at the tap o' yon hill wernae bothered when the loon that led the first "British" troops up the brae answered their challenge wi' a Scots accent. They had Scots officers amangst them. For all I ken the gardes themsel's wur Scots.
And this was nae new thing. Scots had been serving the French since at least 1445, serving the same role as the Swiss Guard do for the Pope today. One of the offspring of that crew became governor Ramezay of Quebec under the French regime, building a Chateau in1715 1705.
There were Scotsmen in Champlain's crew. Abraham Martin "called Maitre Abraham, l'Ecossais. He was a seaman and fisherman of Scots origin who turned up in the port of Dieppe......" His son Eustache, by Marguerite Langlois, born in 1621 was "the first French baby born in America". (Hackett Fischer: Champlain's Dream p.408)
ThedeKlerk(Kirke: Scots for Church - dam my memory gives me trouble at times) brothers that captured Quebec from Champlain are widely believed to have been first genereation Franco-Scots from Dunkirk - then a port widely associated with piracy (meaning beyond the reach of Paris).
And to give the other side their dues Paul Mascarene, a francophone Savoyard served in the British army, including a stint with the 40th Foot (Philips) the original territorial defence regiment for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and did a tour as acting British Governor representing the Hanoverians while they governed the Acadiens. His bete noire was Abbe le Loutre. He made his home in Boston near to that other well known English family the Faneuil (for whom the hall is named).
Another Savoyard, Jean Cavalier, after leading a rebellion against the Bourbons, found sanctuary in Britain, served in the British army and ultimately became a Major General and Governor of one of the Channel Islands.
The Duke of Berwick fought for the Bourbons. Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, fought for the Bourbons before he fought for the Protestant Stewarts (an early case of a Churchill ratting and re-ratting).
Throughout the history of this period, the common thread was the rallying of ALL protestants against Catholics. But not all Catholics. In particular Gallican Catholics - those priests and ministries appointed NOT by the Pope but by the Bourbon Kings to serve their political ends. The Pope himself "Pope Alexander VIII actually sided with King William of Orange against the Catholic King James II, who was backed by the French. People on all sides might benefit if they knew a little more about the battle’s (here they are talking about the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland 1690) actual significance"
From 1525 to 1815, and arguably long after that (Upper and Lower Canada rebellions, Metis rebellions, Fenian raids, Quebec Papal Zouaves, the Juarista revolution of Mexico, even the Quebec and Manitoba schools acts can best be seen in that light.)
Protestant Dutchmen and Germans on the London throne. Expatriate Protestant Frenchmen serving in the British Army and governing French and English speaking subjects. A Belgian Huguenot, Houblon, original Governor of the Bank of England that financed those centuries of Struggle. Irish and Scots (Including Charles I as Honorary Captain of the Garde Ecossaise) serving the Bourbons.
The Quebec-Canada, French-English argument is stale and wrong and does a disservice to this country. Historically the discussion was about religion, Protestant Huguenots and Catholics....... and even that was blurred because the Bourbons wanted the control over the church that Henry VIII had gained in England but did everything possible to continue to lay claim to the Catholic brand, even when actively opposed by the Pope. At one point in time the Brits offered to replace Bourbon appointed French priests, with no Acadien connections with Rome appointed priests.....The offer was rejected.
The Battle on the Plains of Abraham........Abraham Martin dit L'Ecossais was NOT about anything that our modern polity would vaguely recognize as nationalism. The battles amongst the Recollets, Jesuits and Sulpiciens were every bit as fierce if less bloody.
Ah'm fair scunnert wi' the hale bluidy mess and ah'm fed up folks telling tales to whip up a crowd..... Sam Johnson would recognize the scoundrels in the PQ/BQ for what they are. And I don't doubt he would find a fair few wrapping themselves in the Jack as well.
Let the Battle be re-enacted..... and use it to tell the tale as the times saw it.
Don't cave in to that radical fringe of the minority 2,000,000 Quebecers (Parti Quebecois own numbers in a letter to the French Embassy whining about Sarkozy's recent remarks) that want to separate the same way that Erica Jong wanted to have sex (all the advantages and none of the commitment - the Zipless **** as defined in Fear of Flying).
OK, I'm finished ranting now. 'Strewth.
Instead they should finally get around to disabusing Quebecers (and the rest of Canada) that this was an English-French thing. IT WAS NOT.
It was an extension of the Huguenot Wars that started in France with some Franco-Spanish borderers (the Bourbons) having a debate with the Belgian Guise clan (backed by Stuarts/Stewarts and Medicis) over the who would get to sit on the throne in Paris. The Guise pretended they were Catholics, and the Bourbons pretended they were Protestants until they decided it made more sense to pretend to be Catholics.
Between 1525 and 1815 you couldn't tell one army from the other on the basis of nationality. Frenchmen fought under the Union Jack as did Germans, Swiss, Portuguese and Spanish. Englishmen, Scots and Irishmen fought under French flags. And that included at Quebec.
Montcalm's bloody Aide de Camp was a Scotsman. Johnstone. Its nae bluidy wunner that the gardes at the tap o' yon hill wernae bothered when the loon that led the first "British" troops up the brae answered their challenge wi' a Scots accent. They had Scots officers amangst them. For all I ken the gardes themsel's wur Scots.
And this was nae new thing. Scots had been serving the French since at least 1445, serving the same role as the Swiss Guard do for the Pope today. One of the offspring of that crew became governor Ramezay of Quebec under the French regime, building a Chateau in
There were Scotsmen in Champlain's crew. Abraham Martin "called Maitre Abraham, l'Ecossais. He was a seaman and fisherman of Scots origin who turned up in the port of Dieppe......" His son Eustache, by Marguerite Langlois, born in 1621 was "the first French baby born in America". (Hackett Fischer: Champlain's Dream p.408)
The
And to give the other side their dues Paul Mascarene, a francophone Savoyard served in the British army, including a stint with the 40th Foot (Philips) the original territorial defence regiment for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and did a tour as acting British Governor representing the Hanoverians while they governed the Acadiens. His bete noire was Abbe le Loutre. He made his home in Boston near to that other well known English family the Faneuil (for whom the hall is named).
Another Savoyard, Jean Cavalier, after leading a rebellion against the Bourbons, found sanctuary in Britain, served in the British army and ultimately became a Major General and Governor of one of the Channel Islands.
The Duke of Berwick fought for the Bourbons. Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, fought for the Bourbons before he fought for the Protestant Stewarts (an early case of a Churchill ratting and re-ratting).
Throughout the history of this period, the common thread was the rallying of ALL protestants against Catholics. But not all Catholics. In particular Gallican Catholics - those priests and ministries appointed NOT by the Pope but by the Bourbon Kings to serve their political ends. The Pope himself "Pope Alexander VIII actually sided with King William of Orange against the Catholic King James II, who was backed by the French. People on all sides might benefit if they knew a little more about the battle’s (here they are talking about the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland 1690) actual significance"
From 1525 to 1815, and arguably long after that (Upper and Lower Canada rebellions, Metis rebellions, Fenian raids, Quebec Papal Zouaves, the Juarista revolution of Mexico, even the Quebec and Manitoba schools acts can best be seen in that light.)
Protestant Dutchmen and Germans on the London throne. Expatriate Protestant Frenchmen serving in the British Army and governing French and English speaking subjects. A Belgian Huguenot, Houblon, original Governor of the Bank of England that financed those centuries of Struggle. Irish and Scots (Including Charles I as Honorary Captain of the Garde Ecossaise) serving the Bourbons.
The Quebec-Canada, French-English argument is stale and wrong and does a disservice to this country. Historically the discussion was about religion, Protestant Huguenots and Catholics....... and even that was blurred because the Bourbons wanted the control over the church that Henry VIII had gained in England but did everything possible to continue to lay claim to the Catholic brand, even when actively opposed by the Pope. At one point in time the Brits offered to replace Bourbon appointed French priests, with no Acadien connections with Rome appointed priests.....The offer was rejected.
The Battle on the Plains of Abraham........Abraham Martin dit L'Ecossais was NOT about anything that our modern polity would vaguely recognize as nationalism. The battles amongst the Recollets, Jesuits and Sulpiciens were every bit as fierce if less bloody.
Ah'm fair scunnert wi' the hale bluidy mess and ah'm fed up folks telling tales to whip up a crowd..... Sam Johnson would recognize the scoundrels in the PQ/BQ for what they are. And I don't doubt he would find a fair few wrapping themselves in the Jack as well.
Let the Battle be re-enacted..... and use it to tell the tale as the times saw it.
Don't cave in to that radical fringe of the minority 2,000,000 Quebecers (Parti Quebecois own numbers in a letter to the French Embassy whining about Sarkozy's recent remarks) that want to separate the same way that Erica Jong wanted to have sex (all the advantages and none of the commitment - the Zipless **** as defined in Fear of Flying).
OK, I'm finished ranting now. 'Strewth.
- Reaction score
- 7,825
- Points
- 1,360
..and now for some sanity,...just how many here are [or were] planning on making a special trip to Quebec City to watch this anyway?
I thought so......
I thought so......
- Reaction score
- 3,105
- Points
- 1,160
I don't plan on going to see the umptieth reenactment of the passion of the Christ in Germany, either. Doesn't mean I think it shouldn't happen. I also didn't make it to the latest reenactment of the very first olympic games either, what's the point here?
- Reaction score
- 7,825
- Points
- 1,360
The point is my tax dollar$ could be used for something better....like CANADIAN history books for school kids.
But hey, if somebody wants to pony up private money to pay for this than, giddyup.
But hey, if somebody wants to pony up private money to pay for this than, giddyup.
- Reaction score
- 3,105
- Points
- 1,160
...or a 1-128 basketball team?.......... ;D By the bye, I thought it WAS Canadian history?
- Reaction score
- 7,825
- Points
- 1,360
Much better use...
- Reaction score
- 97
- Points
- 680
And the plot thickens.
Plains of Abraham re-enactment may be cancelled
Updated Sat. Feb. 14 2009 3:10 PM ET
The Canadian Press
MONTREAL -- Montreal media reports say the controversial re-enactment of the 1759 defeat of French forces on the Plains of Abraham has been cancelled.
Andre Juneau, head of the National Battlefields Commission, refused to confirm the reports, but says that a revised program will be announced next Tuesday.
According to media reports, the commission cited concerns over violence between separatists and federalists and the subsequent safety of the public as reasons for the program's revision.
On Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper accused sovereigntists and the Bloc Quebecois of generating political tension over the re-enactment.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the battle in which the British beat the French, putting an end to New France.
Plains of Abraham re-enactment may be cancelled
Updated Sat. Feb. 14 2009 3:10 PM ET
The Canadian Press
MONTREAL -- Montreal media reports say the controversial re-enactment of the 1759 defeat of French forces on the Plains of Abraham has been cancelled.
Andre Juneau, head of the National Battlefields Commission, refused to confirm the reports, but says that a revised program will be announced next Tuesday.
According to media reports, the commission cited concerns over violence between separatists and federalists and the subsequent safety of the public as reasons for the program's revision.
On Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper accused sovereigntists and the Bloc Quebecois of generating political tension over the re-enactment.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the battle in which the British beat the French, putting an end to New France.
- Reaction score
- 97
- Points
- 680
Organizers cancel mock Battle of the Plains of Abraham
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 | 11:12 AM ET CBC News
History buffs were to re-enact the Battle of the Plains of Abraham on the site of the battle this summer in Quebec City to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the British victory over the French. (National Battlefields Commission)
The National Battlefields Commission has cancelled a re-enactment of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham set for Quebec City this summer due to security concerns that the mock battle could turn into a modern-day conflict.
The federal body, which is responsible for the Plains site outside the fortified walls of Quebec City, announced Tuesday that a commemorative recreation of the 1759 battle is no longer welcome on the original battlefield site.
"We cannot compromise the security of families and children that would attend the event," said André Juneau, head of the commission.
The mock battle was supposed to be the highlight of a series of commemorative activities this summer in Quebec City to mark the 250th anniversary of the battle in which the British beat the French for control of what was then called New France.
Over a four-day period in August, the "re-enactors," as they are called, were going to set up period-style camps and a marketplace for the public to visit.
On the final day, 2,000 people in full costume and armed with replica weapons were to march onto the grassy field and re-enact the conquest of the British over the French.
However, with growing controversy and threats of violence from some sovereigntists, the commission decided the site was no longer appropriate for the commemoration.
Political parties criticize event
The controversy began several weeks ago when leaders of the separatist Parti Québécois and Bloc Québécois began criticizing the event as a slap in the face for Quebecers of French ancestry.
Sovereigntist groups launched petitions and internet campaigns.
Some of the participants have received threatening letters.
Stéphane Tremblay of the Quebec Historical Corps said the cancellation was unfortunate, but the right move at this point.
"We understand the reasoning behind the cancellation and we fully support the National Battlefields Commission in its decision," said Tremblay.
"The Quebec Historical Corps cannot in good conscience allow thousands of dedicated volunteers not to mention spectators and staff to potentially put themselves in harm's way by participating in an event which has been a subject of threats of disruption and even violence."
The recreation of another battle of the period, the Battle of Sainte-Foy, has also been cancelled.
There is no word if the battles will be staged at a new location.
Last Updated: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 | 11:12 AM ET CBC News
History buffs were to re-enact the Battle of the Plains of Abraham on the site of the battle this summer in Quebec City to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the British victory over the French. (National Battlefields Commission)
The National Battlefields Commission has cancelled a re-enactment of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham set for Quebec City this summer due to security concerns that the mock battle could turn into a modern-day conflict.
The federal body, which is responsible for the Plains site outside the fortified walls of Quebec City, announced Tuesday that a commemorative recreation of the 1759 battle is no longer welcome on the original battlefield site.
"We cannot compromise the security of families and children that would attend the event," said André Juneau, head of the commission.
The mock battle was supposed to be the highlight of a series of commemorative activities this summer in Quebec City to mark the 250th anniversary of the battle in which the British beat the French for control of what was then called New France.
Over a four-day period in August, the "re-enactors," as they are called, were going to set up period-style camps and a marketplace for the public to visit.
On the final day, 2,000 people in full costume and armed with replica weapons were to march onto the grassy field and re-enact the conquest of the British over the French.
However, with growing controversy and threats of violence from some sovereigntists, the commission decided the site was no longer appropriate for the commemoration.
Political parties criticize event
The controversy began several weeks ago when leaders of the separatist Parti Québécois and Bloc Québécois began criticizing the event as a slap in the face for Quebecers of French ancestry.
Sovereigntist groups launched petitions and internet campaigns.
Some of the participants have received threatening letters.
Stéphane Tremblay of the Quebec Historical Corps said the cancellation was unfortunate, but the right move at this point.
"We understand the reasoning behind the cancellation and we fully support the National Battlefields Commission in its decision," said Tremblay.
"The Quebec Historical Corps cannot in good conscience allow thousands of dedicated volunteers not to mention spectators and staff to potentially put themselves in harm's way by participating in an event which has been a subject of threats of disruption and even violence."
The recreation of another battle of the period, the Battle of Sainte-Foy, has also been cancelled.
There is no word if the battles will be staged at a new location.
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Plains of Abraham re-enactment cancelled
Updated Tue. Feb. 17 2009 11:09 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Following a firestorm of protest, a planned re-enactment of the 1759 defeat of French forces on Quebec City's Plains of Abraham has been cancelled.
The National Battlefields Commission, the federal agency that helps to preserve the Plains, made the announcement Tuesday while explaining revisions to the programming surrounding the 250th anniversary.
The decision comes after Quebec sovereigntists denounced the planned celebrations as an insulting reminder of their ancestors' defeat 250 years ago. Many threatened to protest the events.
Commission chairman Andre Juneau says battle reenactment plans have been scrapped because there are too many safety and security issues to take a chance on holding the event.
Other events related to the anniversary such as architectural digs, guided cruises, and art exhibits will go ahead, he added.
The Commission had planned to allow 2,000 re-enactors dress in period clothing and uniforms to recreate events leading to the Plains of Abraham battle, which was pivotal in the Seven Years' War.
The clash between the British and the French, just outside the walls of Quebec City involved fewer than 10,000 men, but proved to be a deciding moment in the conflict over the fate of New France and helped lead to British dominance in North America.
Sovereigntist groups found the plans to relive those moments offensive, with one group, Le Réseau de résistance du Québécois, calling the celebrations "federalist propaganda." They threatened to rally hundreds of demonstrators to disrupt the events.
Horst Dresler, president of the Quebec Historical Corps, a group of historical buffs who planned to lead the simulated battle, has said his group will push forward with the re-enactment at another venue.
He says his group and others have been staging re-enactments in Canada and the United States over the last four years to mark the French and Indian War - the name some give to the North American portion of the Seven Years War. He said that after 11 years of planning, it wouldn't make sense to stop now.
Dresler told CTV Newsnet that the re-enactment was never meant to foment anger among Quebec nationalists.
"In re-enacting history, there are no winners and losers. All we're trying to do is show history. Period. It's non-political. It's just us trying to bring the facts to the forefront," he said by phone.
Updated Tue. Feb. 17 2009 11:09 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Following a firestorm of protest, a planned re-enactment of the 1759 defeat of French forces on Quebec City's Plains of Abraham has been cancelled.
The National Battlefields Commission, the federal agency that helps to preserve the Plains, made the announcement Tuesday while explaining revisions to the programming surrounding the 250th anniversary.
The decision comes after Quebec sovereigntists denounced the planned celebrations as an insulting reminder of their ancestors' defeat 250 years ago. Many threatened to protest the events.
Commission chairman Andre Juneau says battle reenactment plans have been scrapped because there are too many safety and security issues to take a chance on holding the event.
Other events related to the anniversary such as architectural digs, guided cruises, and art exhibits will go ahead, he added.
The Commission had planned to allow 2,000 re-enactors dress in period clothing and uniforms to recreate events leading to the Plains of Abraham battle, which was pivotal in the Seven Years' War.
The clash between the British and the French, just outside the walls of Quebec City involved fewer than 10,000 men, but proved to be a deciding moment in the conflict over the fate of New France and helped lead to British dominance in North America.
Sovereigntist groups found the plans to relive those moments offensive, with one group, Le Réseau de résistance du Québécois, calling the celebrations "federalist propaganda." They threatened to rally hundreds of demonstrators to disrupt the events.
Horst Dresler, president of the Quebec Historical Corps, a group of historical buffs who planned to lead the simulated battle, has said his group will push forward with the re-enactment at another venue.
He says his group and others have been staging re-enactments in Canada and the United States over the last four years to mark the French and Indian War - the name some give to the North American portion of the Seven Years War. He said that after 11 years of planning, it wouldn't make sense to stop now.
Dresler told CTV Newsnet that the re-enactment was never meant to foment anger among Quebec nationalists.
"In re-enacting history, there are no winners and losers. All we're trying to do is show history. Period. It's non-political. It's just us trying to bring the facts to the forefront," he said by phone.
