The Acadians Caught in the Middle

Where was Acadia? The borders of Acadia were ill-defined. Included areas of present day New Brunswick, Maine, Nova Scotia, P.E.I (Île St-Jean), and Cape Breton (Île Royale).

What was life like in Acadia? Settlements stayed close to the coast Their economy focused more on farming than on fishing or furs. Because they stayed close to the coast they had an excellent relationship with the Mi’kmaq (no interference with traditional hunting grounds)

Farmers of the marshland Acadian farmers excelled at reclaiming land from the sea Bay of Fundy: highest tides in the world Farmers built dykes to stop the flow of salt water during high tide; this allowed them to farm the fertile soil. They also traded (illegally) with New Englanders

Acadia: caught in the middle Acadia was often at the centre of the military struggle between France and Britain. The area changed hands 11 times between 1613 and 1710. This was a misfortune of geography more than anything else– they were neighbours with New England, a British colony. As a result of this...

Acadia: a distinct culture A constant fear of being conquered = lack of immigration and a lack of French interest in investment. This made for a distinct and independent culture with few ties to the mother country.

The Treaty of Utrecht Queen Anne’s War, 1702-1713: settled by the treaty of Utrecht- France cedes claims to Hudson’s Bay, Newfoundland, and Acadia to Britain. To the French Acadia meant only Nova Scotia… What were the Acadians to do? France wanted them to move to Ile Royal (Cape Breton) to populate the new fortress of Louisbourg. The land was not suitable for farming…

The Oath Most stayed on their traditional lands Brits wanted them to take an unconditional oath (they would fight against Britain's enemies)… Acadians negotiated a conditional oath Would not fight the French or Mi’kmaq They would be free to leave British territory The authority of the Catholic priests would be respected They remained neutral for 40 years.

A New Oath, 1755 Seven Years War unofficially began in 1754 (lasted until 1763…I know, that’s more than seven years). The neutral status of the Acadians was a source of controversy for the British government. Could they be trusted? Charles Lawrence, Governor of Nova Scotia demanded a new oath in 1755 (unconditional)

The Great Expulsion The Acadians played the neutral card again, without success. Lawrence quickly announced that they would be expelled from their lands. British action was swift. They burned farms, confiscated goods and livestock

The Great Expulsion Families were split up and forcibly herded on to waiting ships 1755-1763: ¾ of the 10,000 Acadians were deported to: France and her colonies British colonies (Thirteen Colonies, Caribbean). Louisiana: Cajuns

Acadian Deportation Deportation, 1755-1757 Deportation, 1758 - - - - - - - Flight of Acadians - - - - - - Acadian territories

The Great Expulsion Thousands died of disease, overcrowding, and shipwrecks. After the war, many returned to Nova Scotia only to find that their traditional lands had been resettled by New England "Planters". The Acadians started from scratch and settled in the interior of what is now New Brunswick. 2003, PM Jean Chrétien acknowledged the deportation as unjustified…not a full apology though.

The Big Question Was Governor Lawrence's decision justified? Was it necessary? What other options did he have?