As a kid, I was fascinated by the French and Indian War. Most people don't remember this war, but it effectively set the table for the American Revolution. This war was the culmination of a century of war between France and Great Britain for control of North America. By winning, Great Britain seized Quebec (then called Nouvelle France) and unquestioned dominion over North America (the Spanish held the Louisiana Territory at the time, but did nothing with it).
Contrary to what you may think, Montréal wasn't the chief city of Quebec at the time. That was Quebec City.