Northern Armageddon: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham and the Making of the American Revolution

Students of strategic warfare, maritime engagements, and American history will find MacLeod’s detailed description of the British conquest at Quebec the most comprehensive on the market today. While alluding to escalations within the French and Indian War, (also called the Seven Years’ War), the author focuses on the frustrations of James Wolfe which led to his last ditch effort to invade the well-fortified French at a most unlikely place. “In landing at the Anse au Foulon, Wolfe executed a daring plan with caution and circumspection, taking every possible precaution to limit the danger to his troops and himself.”

Splicing together accounts from all sides, including Native American tribal warriors who played a role in defending their French allies, and Scottish Highlanders who ran headlong into the teeth of battle, wielding their broadswords, MacLeod brings the taste of eighteenth-century combat with vivid fervor. “Montcalm and Wolfe led from the front, running the same risks as any other combatants on the field. But it was their anonymous soldiers who fought the battle and changed the course of history”.

Recalling the unlikelihood of Quebec’s surrender, this lesson also explores the aftermath which resulted in an even bigger surprise; the preamble to the American Revolution.