Following the capture of Ticonderoga, Arnold and Allen note that it is necessary to hold Ticonderoga as a defense against attempts by the British to militarily divide the colonies, and also note that Quebec is poorly defended.

They each separately propose expeditions against Quebec, suggesting that a force as small as twelve hundred to fifteen hundred men will be sufficient to drive the British military from the province.

Congress had at first ordered the forts to be abandoned, prompting New York and Connecticut to provide troops and material for purposes that were essentially defensive in nature.

Public outcries from across New England and New York had challenged the Congress to change its position.

When it becomes clear that Guy Carleton, the governor of Quebec, is fortifying Fort St. Johns, and is also attempting to involve the Iroquois in upstate New York in the conflict, Congress decides that a more active position was needed.

On June 27, 1775, Congress authorizes General Philip Schuyler to investigate, and, if it seems appropriate, begin an invasion.

Arnold, passed over for its command, goes to Boston and persuades General George Washington to send a supporting force to Quebec City under his command.