Consequences of the Rebellions
Mackenzie escaped to the United States, as did many other rebels. American sympathizers established so-called Hunter' Lodges (or Frères Chasseurs in Lower Canada), to form what we would now call a guerrilla army. Raids were carried out into Upper and Lower Canada over the winter. Canadian loyalists in turm made a raid across the Niagara river to capture and burn a rebel supply ship, the Caroline. These border disputes raised tensions between Britain and the United States, almost leading to war, but rebel raiding slowly petred out. After a few years, Mackenzie and many former rebels returned to Canada, although many also remained in exile.
The summer of 1838 saw another round of serious fighting in Lower Canada. From bases in the United States, Robert Nelson led a second rebellion. He led his forces back into Quebec on November 3, but in little more than a month later he was crushed at Odelltown on December 9. This time the reaction was harsh. Twelve patriotes were hanged and 57 were banished to Australia.
In terms of political reform, the rebellions led to special commission of the British nobleman, Lord Durham (see Lord Durham's report). The political system was made somewhat more democratic, although it would still take several more years to achieve full responsible government, and the economic domincance of the Family Compact and Château Clique was not changed.