Papineau, << PAHP un noh or pa pee NOH, >> Louis Joseph (1786-1871), organized a French-Canadian revolt against the government of Lower Canada (now southern Quebec) in 1837. The rebellion failed, but it focused attention on the desire of French Canadians to control their own affairs. See Rebellions of 1837 .
Papineau was born in Montreal. In 1809, he won election to Lower Canada’s legislature. French Canadians formed a majority in the elected assembly. However, the British governor and an appointed Legislative Council controlled by English-speaking officials decided all important matters. Papineau’s group, called the Patriots, tried to lessen the influence of the Council. Their inability to do so led to the rebellion in November 1837. Papineau fled to the United States to avoid arrest and later moved to Paris. He returned to Canada in 1845, when the government granted him a pardon. Papineau served in the Canadian legislature from 1848 to 1854.
