He Did Not Conquer
Book • 2025
Madelaine Drohan's 'He Did Not Conquer' examines Benjamin Franklin's long-standing interest in annexing Canada and the 1775–76 invasion of Quebec.
Drawing on Franklin's writings and contemporaneous correspondence, the book traces his land, security, and political motivations and recounts his 1776 mission to Montréal.
Drohan situates the episode within wider diplomatic negotiations and founding myths, showing why the invasion was forgotten and how nations revise uncomfortable parts of their histories.
The book also reflects on Canadian national identity and how this overlooked episode could inform a broader national story.
Through archival research and narrative history, Drohan brings renewed attention to a neglected chapter in North American history.
Drawing on Franklin's writings and contemporaneous correspondence, the book traces his land, security, and political motivations and recounts his 1776 mission to Montréal.
Drohan situates the episode within wider diplomatic negotiations and founding myths, showing why the invasion was forgotten and how nations revise uncomfortable parts of their histories.
The book also reflects on Canadian national identity and how this overlooked episode could inform a broader national story.
Through archival research and narrative history, Drohan brings renewed attention to a neglected chapter in North American history.
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Madelaine Drohan
Madelaine Drohan on 250 Years of Canadians Fending Off Americans
