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What happened on the Plains of Abraham during the Battle of Quebec?

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Painting of Edward Braddock and British troops in uniform advancing through dense forest, facing Native American and French fighters during the French and Indian War near Fort Duquesne. — French and Indian War British commander Edward Braddock and his troops preparing to march on the French-held Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) during the French and Indian War.

During the Battle of Quebec on September 13, 1759, the Plains of Abraham served as the site of a decisive confrontation between British and French forces.12

After successfully scaling the cliffs at L’Anse-au-Foulon under cover of darkness, British troops under Major General James Wolfe assembled on the plateau in a disciplined, two-rank-deep formation. When the marquis de Montcalm led his French and militia forces in an attack, the British held their fire until the French were within 130 feet. The resulting coordinated British volleys devastated the French ranks, forcing them to retreat.32

The engagement was brief, lasting less than an hour. Both commanders suffered fatal wounds during the fighting; Wolfe died on the field after learning of the victory, while Montcalm died the following morning in Quebec. Following the battle, the British consolidated their position, leading to the city's surrender on September 18 and marking a pivotal shift toward British supremacy in North America.32