Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, was a significant British Army officer whose military achievements in North America shaped the course of British colonial expansion and left a lasting impact on North American history.

Born on January 29, 1717, in Sevenoaks, Kent, England, Amherst came from a modest family background. His father, Jeffrey Amherst, was a lawyer, and young Jeffery’s early ambition was molded by connections with nobility, serving as a page to the Duke of Dorset. This exposure to high-ranking military figures laid the groundwork for his own career. His family connections and his proven ability in the military soon enabled him to rise through the ranks.

Amherst joined the British Army as an ensign in the Grenadier Guards in 1735, beginning a career that would span nearly six decades. His early military experience came during the War of the Austrian Succession, a European conflict where he served under General John Ligonier, a respected officer who would become an important mentor.

Amherst participated in major battles such as Dettingen (1743) and Fontenoy (1745), which helped build his reputation as a skilled and courageous officer. By the end of this war, he had developed strong relationships within military circles, gaining promotions and the respect of superiors.

Image: A portrait of Jeffery Amherst by English artist Sir Joshua Reynolds.

However, it was the Seven Years’ War, known in North America as the French and Indian War, that would define Amherst’s career.

This war was a global conflict fought between Britain and France, with battles in Europe, North America, and India. It involved a range of alliances with Indigenous nations, as well as the colonial powers’ quest to dominate trade routes and territories. As the conflict expanded, the British government sought officers who could execute effective campaigns in North America against French forces.

Amherst, who had distinguished himself in Europe, was chosen as one of the key British commanders to lead operations in Canada, an assignment that would mark his historical significance.

Amherst’s most celebrated achievement came in 1758 with the Siege of Louisbourg. Situated on Cape Breton Island, Louisbourg was a fortified French settlement and a critical gateway for controlling the St. Lawrence River and French access to the Atlantic.

The British recognized that capturing Louisbourg would cut off French supplies to Canada and enable further assaults on French positions in North America. Amherst was given command of the operation, overseeing 14,000 troops and collaborating closely with Admiral Edward Boscawen, who commanded a powerful naval fleet.

The siege was marked by strategic precision, with British forces employing extensive bombardments to wear down French defenses. Despite the resistance, Amherst’s well-coordinated land and sea tactics eventually forced the French to surrender Louisbourg after a grueling two-month siege. This victory was pivotal for the British, as it opened the St. Lawrence River, giving the British access to Quebec and marking a decisive turn in the Seven Years’ War.

Amherst’s next mission was to support the assault on Quebec, where British forces aimed to seize control of New France’s administrative center. Under General James Wolfe, British forces achieved a major victory on the Plains of Abraham in 1759, resulting in the capture of Quebec.

Although Amherst did not lead this particular assault, his strategic planning and logistical support contributed to the British success. He ensured that reinforcements and supplies reached Wolfe’s forces, enabling the continued offensive against the French. The fall of Quebec delivered a severe blow to French power in North America and solidified Amherst’s status as a central figure in British military achievements.

In 1760, Amherst led a well-coordinated offensive that culminated in the capture of Montreal, the last major French stronghold in Canada. This campaign required extensive planning, as he managed a multi-pronged attack from three separate forces advancing from different directions.

By September 1760, Montreal had surrendered, effectively ending French control in Canada and concluding British campaigns in North America. Amherst’s leadership in the conquest of Canada cemented his reputation as the “architect” of British victory in North America, and he was widely celebrated for his role in expanding British influence.

Following his military successes, Amherst was appointed as the first British governor general of Canada, a position that made him responsible for administering the newly acquired territories.

His administrative approach prioritized British interests, focusing on consolidating British authority and securing loyalty among the French-speaking population.

However, Amherst’s tenure as governor was marked by a complex relationship with the Indigenous nations who had allied with the French during the conflict. His policies aimed to reduce British dependence on Native alliances, particularly in trade, which had previously been a cornerstone of French relations with Indigenous communities. This shift caused friction and contributed to a sense of distrust and disillusionment among the Native nations.

This friction reached a peak during Pontiac’s War, an Indigenous uprising led by the Ottawa leader Pontiac, who organized resistance against British encroachments on Indigenous lands in the Great Lakes region. Pontiac’s War highlighted the grievances of Native nations who felt alienated and marginalized under British rule.

In response to this unrest, Amherst faced difficult decisions, attempting to suppress Native resistance through military means. However, one of the most controversial aspects of his response was his suggestion to use smallpox-infected blankets as a form of biological warfare against Indigenous populations. This tactic, while possibly not carried out on his direct orders, reflects Amherst’s disregard for Indigenous lives and has stained his legacy.

Amherst’s later years in England saw him continue his military career, eventually attaining the rank of field marshal in 1796, the highest rank in the British Army. Throughout his career, Amherst was honored with various titles, including becoming the 1st Baron Amherst in 1776, and he served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, a position he held until 1795.

Despite his illustrious military career, the controversies associated with his governance in Canada—particularly his policies toward Indigenous peoples and the proposed use of biological warfare—have overshadowed his legacy.

Amherst’s role in British and North American history remains a complex one. His military achievements contributed significantly to Britain’s dominance in North America, reshaping the continent’s colonial dynamics and leading to the establishment of Canada as part of the British Empire.

The capture of Louisbourg, Quebec, and Montreal were defining moments in the history of the French and Indian War, and Amherst’s strategic leadership was crucial to these British victories. Yet, his actions during Pontiac’s War, especially his proposal of smallpox as a weapon, represent a dark chapter in his career and in colonial history.

The city of Montreal, acknowledging the harm caused by Amherst’s policies, renamed Amherst Street to Rue Atateken in 2019, honoring Indigenous languages and reflecting a shift toward reconciliation.

In summation, Jeffery Amherst’s life and career are emblematic of both the heights of British military prowess and the ethical complexities of colonial rule. His legacy as a celebrated military leader who expanded British power in North America is tempered by his controversial actions, which are scrutinized as part of ongoing discussions about colonialism and its impact on Indigenous communities. As a result, Amherst’s place in history remains multifaceted—a testament to both his strategic genius and the profound ethical challenges of his era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Image: Jeffery Amherst. Artwork by Joshua Reynolds.

What was Jeffery Amherst’s early background and military start? Jeffery Amherst was born in Sevenoaks,

England, in 1717 to Jeffrey and Elizabeth Amherst. He started his military career young, serving as a page to the Duke of Dorset before joining the Grenadier Guards as an ensign in 1735.

How did Amherst rise through the ranks in his early military career?

Amherst gained valuable experience during the War of the Austrian Succession, serving under General John Ligonier and later the Duke of Cumberland, which helped build his reputation.

What was Amherst’s role in the British campaign during the Seven Years’ War?

Amherst played a pivotal role as commander in Britain’s campaign to conquer French territories in North America, capturing key cities such as Louisbourg, Quebec, and Montreal.

Why was the capture of Louisbourg significant for Amherst’s career?

The 1758 capture of Louisbourg was crucial as it controlled access to the St. Lawrence River. Amherst’s successful siege demonstrated his expertise in siege warfare and opened the door for further British advances into French Canada.

What was Amherst’s contribution to the capture of Quebec?

Although General James Wolfe led the assault on Quebec, Amherst’s logistical planning and coordination of resources were instrumental to the British victory, which dealt a significant blow to French power in North America.

How did Amherst secure British control over New France?

In 1760, Amherst coordinated a three-pronged attack on Montreal, effectively ending French colonial rule in Canada and ensuring British control over New France.

What position did Amherst take on after his military victories in Canada?

Amherst became the first British governor general of the conquered territories, overseeing British interests and laying the groundwork for British governance in what would become Canada.

Why is Amherst’s legacy considered controversial?

Amherst’s legacy is controversial due to his involvement in Pontiac’s War, where he suggested using smallpox-infected blankets to weaken Native American resistance, reflecting colonial policies that disregarded Indigenous lives and rights.

What was Pontiac’s War, and what role did Amherst play in it?

Pontiac’s War was a 1763 conflict between British forces and a coalition of Native American tribes resisting British encroachment. Amherst commanded British forces and faced significant resistance, leading to his suggestion of using smallpox as a biological weapon.

How did Amherst’s approach to Pontiac’s War impact his reputation?

Amherst’s proposal to use smallpox against Native Americans has led to widespread criticism, particularly among historians and Indigenous groups, impacting his legacy and prompting a reevaluation of his place in history.

What happened to Amherst after his time in North America?

Amherst returned to England, continuing his military career and eventually rising to Commander-in-Chief of the Forces, the highest military position in the British Army, and becoming a field marshal.

How has Amherst’s legacy been commemorated?

Amherst was commemorated with places and streets named after him in Canada and the U.S. However, recent reevaluations of his legacy have led to some names being changed, such as Montreal renaming Amherst Street to Rue Atateken in 2019.

How did Montreal address Amherst’s controversial legacy in recent years?

In 2019, Montreal renamed Amherst Street to Rue Atateken, a Mohawk term for “brotherhood,” to honor Indigenous perspectives and acknowledge Amherst’s harmful policies toward Indigenous communities.

What is Amherst’s legacy today?

Amherst’s legacy is complex; he is recognized for his military success in expanding British influence, yet his role in Pontiac’s War and his policies toward Indigenous populations highlight the ethical complexities of colonial rule.

How is Amherst viewed in the context of colonial history today?

Amherst’s story serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of colonialism and the need to address its lasting impacts on Indigenous populations, leading to ongoing debates about his commemoration and legacy.