Expulsion of the Acadians

Key Facts:

Living under French and then British rule in 1604 and 1713 the Acadians were forced to adapt. And when the British conquered Port Royal in 1710 after being ceded Acadia under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht, they found themselves up against a people who had developed a strong sense of independence against British and French rule. The Acadians refused to recognize British rule, wanting to keep their religious freedom and not wanting to be obliged to bears arms in the event of war.

Summary of Conflict:

Wanting to settle permanently in the colony, the English founded the city of Halifax in 1749 to reduce the influence of Louisbourg. Charles Lawrence was appointed governor of Nova Scotia. However he didn't trust the Acadians, he believed that they were in cahoots with Natives, and threatened them with deportation to France if they refused to take the oath of allegiance to the British Crown. He petitioned the colony's court and was granted permission by the top court to carry out his threats. The decision was made easier by the fact that while most Acadians were neutral, some had already taken up arms for France. In July 28, 1755, Lawrence ordered his men to start arresting Acadians with a view to deporting them. But it took until September 5 of that year for Charles Lawrence to gather the Acadians in the St. Charles Church in Grand Pre in order to read the declaration that they must take take their possessions to the British Crown and that they would be deported. Unaware of what awaited them in the church, many Acadians were taken prisoner and deported to American colonies, France, and England. many died during the long ocean voyage. The survivors roamed, looking for a new place to call home. In 1763, after the Seven Year War and the signing of the peace treaty, some Acadians returned to Nova Scotia, only to find that they no longer owned land; it had been redistributed to Protestant settlers. In all, several thousand Acadians died during deportation: of illness, drowning, misery and starvation.

Conclusion of Conflict: 

During this time many died during the long ocean voyage. The survivors roamed, looking for a new place to call home. In 1763, after the Seven Year War and the signing of the peace treaty, some Acadians returned to Nova Scotia, only to find that they no longer owned land; it had been redistributed to Protestant settlers. In all, several thousand Acadians died during deportation: of illness, drowning, misery and starvation.

Interesting Facts:

• The British thought the Acadians were a threat to appropriation of the land.
• At least 10,000 Acadians were rounded up and crowded into British ships to be scattered among the Thirteen Colonies to the south. 

Personal Reflection:

I think if i was king i would also find a way to get rid of something or someone who i feel is a threat. It's the best way to make sure that you have control in your kingdom.

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