Battle of the Plains of Abraham

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham, fought September 13, 1759, was a battle during the Seven Years War (known in the United States as the French and Indian War) fought outside Quebec City in New France. In the battle the British forces defeated the French and conquered New France. The French side was led by General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm-Gozon, (Marquis of Montcalm), a skilled leader who had defeated the British earlier in the war. His decision to leave the well-defended town and engage the British on the battlefield is often viewed as a mistake. The British side was led by General James Wolfe, also a noted commander. He had moved his forces down the St. Lawrence and, secretly, up the lightly defended cliffs to the Plains of Abraham during the night, surprising the French forces and securing a good strategic position. In the ensuing fighting both Generals were killed, but the British emerged victorious. This battle gave the British control over all of New France, later Quebec, and ended French power in what is now a part of Canada. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763 to end the war and the government of France chose to keep Guadaloupe instead of Quebec.