After the British victory in the French and Indian War, the UK gained control over more than 50.000 French-speaking residents. In contrast to the deportations of 1755, however it was hoped that the French would integrate into the community. To facilitate this, the Quebec Act created the Province of Quebec in 1774 and recognized French civil law and the Roman Catholic faith.

A year later, the American Revolutionary War would break out in the British colonies south of Canada. Quebec became a battleground for a short time. The Americans occupied some towns in the province in the hope of drawing Canada into the revolution. However, Quebec and the province remained loyal to the British Crown.

With the Treaty of Paris (1783), the British recognized the independence of the United States. The territory of British North America, the remaining colonies under British control after the establishment of the USA, continued to attract large numbers of settlers during the 19th century. While most of the settlers were British immigrants, the mainly francophone-population of Quebec constituted a substantial religious and linguistic minority. With the Constitutional Act of 1791, the country was split into Upper Canada and Lower Canada.

When the war broke out again in 1812 in North America, between the United States and the United Kingdom; Canada became again the scene of battle. The Americans hoped, just like in the War of Independence, to involve Canada in the war, but there was a lack of support as especially the Loyalists and the French speakers did not want to become part of the war. The political and moral winner of the war was the US. The Americans affirmed their independence and finally got rid of the British. This war of 1812 was a victory against an American invasion and in 2021 still important tot the Canadian national psyche.

Afterwards, a need arose among the Canadian population for a more political identity and a more independent course, separate from the motherland. One thought wanted to achieve self-government in internal affairs. A second thought wanted to become completely independent and establish a republic after American and French example in Canada.

Several armed uprisings broke out in both Lower and Upper Canada during 1837 and 1838. The British crushed these uprisings quickly and bloody. Several rebel leaders fled to the US. At the same time, Irish immigrants tried to establish an independent colony in Upper Canada. After investigating the cause of the uprisings, Quebec was brought together with Upper Canada by an Act of Union in 1840. While the two parts were given equal say in the legislative assembly of the united province, English became the only official language and efforts were made to completely Anglicize the French-speaking population. However, some measures were soon reversed and French once again became one of the official languages of Canada. Several rebel leaders returned to Canada after being amnestied.

Under the Act of Union, relations with the US were tightened and most border disputes were resolved diplomatically through treaties. The call for more unity and internal independence grew. The territory further expanded with the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Newfoundland and British Columbia remained outside the newly formed federation, but today (2021) are also part of Canada.