Proclamation of Amnesty:
In November 1837, the British Crown issued a Proclamation of Amnesty, offering pardon to all those who had participated in the Rebellion except those responsible for the murder of loyalist.
Lord Durham's Report:
In 1839, Lord Durham submitted his report on the state of British North America, known as the Durham Report. The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the causes of the Rebellion and recommended significant changes to the governance of the colonies, including the introduction of responsible government.
Responsible Government:
In the 1840s, the British government began implementing the principles of responsible government in British North America. Responsible government allowed the colonies to have greater control over their own affairs, with the executive council becoming answerable to the elected legislative assembly.
Ecclesiastical Reforms:
The Crown took steps to address religious grievances, particularly those of the French Catholic population in Lower Canada. In 1841, the Sydenham Act established the Roman Catholic hierarchy and provided increased funding for Catholic education.
Economic Development:
The British government supported various economic development initiatives to improve the economic conditions in the colonies. These included investments in infrastructure, such as canals, roads, and bridges, as well as measures to promote trade and settlement.
Union of the Canadas:
In 1840, the British Parliament passed the Act of Union, which merged Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada. The union aimed to create a more stable and unified political entity and address some of the tensions between the two colonies.