The Quebec Act of 1774 had not been passed, which meant that colonial expansion into the west was possible. Despite this, amniosity still existed in the east. Shots had been fired in Lexington and Concord, starting the American War of Independence. The western states, however, was still on the side of the British, effectively making them netural. The war in the east continued, but the Americans managed to begin a drive into Quebec. Quebec and its French culture had been suppressed by Virginia, and Quebec rebels led by James Livingston helped the Americans take control of much of Quebec.