Here's a quick bullet summary of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, drawing from the sources:
- The Battle of the Plains of Abraham, also called the Battle of Quebec, was a key battle in the Seven Years' War, known as the French and Indian War in North America.
- The battle occurred on September 13, 1759, just outside Quebec City, on land originally owned by Abraham Martin.
- The battle involved fewer than 10,000 troops. The British were led by General James Wolfe and the French by General Louis-Joseph, Marquis de Montcalm. Both generals were mortally wounded during the battle.
- The battle was the result of a three-month siege by the British. The British troops successfully resisted the advance of French and Canadian troops by employing new tactics.
- The British troops landed at L'Anse-au-Foulon, a cove west of Quebec City, and scaled the cliffs to reach the Plains of Abraham.
- Montcalm decided to engage the British directly, instead of waiting for reinforcements or withdrawing.
- The British formed a shallow horseshoe formation across the plains, with a main firing line of about one kilometer.
- The British held their fire until the French were within close range, then fired a devastating volley. Wolfe had ordered his soldiers to load two balls in their muskets.
- After the first volley, the British fired a second volley which broke the French lines.
- General Wolfe was struck by three musket balls during the battle and died soon after hearing of the French retreat. General Montcalm was also mortally wounded and died the next morning.
- After the battle, the French evacuated Quebec City. The British captured Quebec, which became part of what was known in Great Britain as the "Annus Mirabilis" of 1759.
- The British victory at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham led to the capture of Montreal the following year, effectively ending French control in Canada.
- The battle was a decisive moment in the conflict between France and Britain over New France, leading to the later creation of Canada.
- The battle is commemorated through monuments and historical sites.
- The British victory at Quebec led to the British capturing New France.
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