|  | | General Wolfe | | | | also known as | Civilization: | British: Canada | James Wolfe | Era: | Foundation | | 1727–1759 | Field of Renown: | military: General |
General James Wolfe was one of the leading generals during the Seven Years War and
is most famous for leading the successful attack on Quebec that resulted in the
fall of France's empire in the new world. Although killed at a young age—he was
only thirty when he died on the field of the Plains of Abraham—he is nevertheless, one
of the most romantic heroes of British military history. His stellar rise from his
first enlistment at age 15, to a major general at thirty symbolized the hope that
merit may eventually prevail over mere seniority.
James Wolfe was born into a military family, and first entered service at age fifteen
during the War of the Austrian Succession, and distinguished himself at the Battle of
Dettington. He was noticed by the Duke of Cumberland, and called to serve in the
Jacobean Rising of 1745, but acquitted himself in such a way that he won the respect both
of Englishmen and the Highlanders he was opposing. He received several promotions at a
very young age and was made lieutenant colonel by age 22. The battlefield heroics and
promotions then stopped for a few years, while England and France were officially at peace.
When war broke out again in 1756, he again was called into action. After participating
in the failed Rochefort expedition (in which his recommendations were not followed),
Pitt assigned him to the North American theatre under Amherst where he took primary
responsibility for the successful siege of Louisburg, the greatest British success in
the war thus far. William Pitt, promptly promoted him to major-general and gave him the
assignment of taking Quebec. In spite of ill-health and other difficulties, he planned a daring
night-time infiltration of French defenses, and in the morning was arrayed for battle.
Wolfe perished in the subsequent battle, but not before "purchasing immortal honor for his
country," by his victory at Quebec.
Key events during the life of General James Wolfe
| Year |
Event |
| 1727 |
James Wolfe born into a military family. |
| 1742 |
Saw first action during the War of Austrian Succession. |
| 1745 |
Brigade-major in Jacobean rebellion of 1745. Served at Culloden. |
| 1750 |
Promoted to lieutenant colonel at age 22. |
| 1757 |
Served on the Rochefort expedition in the Seven Years War. |
| 1758 |
Led the charge at the siege of Louisburg. |
| 1759 |
Promoted by Pitt to Major-General. Put in charge of expedition to Quebec. |
| 1759 |
Led Britain to victory at the battle of Quebec, but died in battle. |
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Louis-Joseph Montcalm |
Military leader of New France during the Seven Year War; died at Battle of Quebec. |
| William Pitt the Elder |
Statesman who masterminded the rise of the British Empire during the critical 18th century. |
| Lord Amherst |
British ambassador to China, and then governor of India. Fought first Burmese War. |
| Duke of Cumberland |
Brother of George III. Led Britain against the Jacobian rebellion of 1745. |
| Young Pretender |
Grandson of James II, led Jacobites in bid to restore Stuarts to the throne of England. |
|
Wolfe's monument in Westminster Abbey 
General James Wolfe 
Wolfe landing at the foot of the Heights of Abraham 
The Death of Wolfe
Slipping and stumbling, the men went on. 
James Wolfe 
William Pitt advises young James Wolfe before he sails 
Monument to Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham 
The Death of General Wolfe at Quebec.