American Revolutionary War Lord Dunmore’s Declaration & Philipsburg Proclamation Britain lost – America becomes an independent nation LOYALISTS come to Canada

After the American Revolution Since the war was fought for equality and freedom, many white Americans saw the conflict between freedom and slavery. Abolitionist began campaigning for abolition of slavery. Slavery continued to grow in the American South (foundation of the economy) By 1804 all Northern states had abolished slavery (it was not until many years later that there were no slaves there) By early 1800s – underground railroad (freed blacks and abolitionists)

~ 3500 Black Loyalists came to Nova Scotia Settlements in Annapolis Royal, Cornwallis/Horton, Weymouth, Digby, Windsor, Preston, Sydney, Fort Cumberland, Parrsboro, Halifax, Shelburne, Birchtown, Port Mouton After the American Revolution

The History of Preston Originally founded by Black Loyalists (after the American Revolution) Nearly completely depopulated by the Sierra Leone emigration in 1792

1795 War: Britain vs. Maroon (Jamaica) Maroons: Slaves in Jamaica who escaped into the mountains during a number of slave uprisings and formed their own communities.

Jan Under attack by British forces, hundreds of Maroons surrendered. July Maroons deported to NS Employed to work on new fortifications at Citadel Hill Some $ given by the Jamaican gov’t – used to build community of Preston (again). Aug most departed for Sierra Leone Harsh weather, bad land, Maroons were warriors not farmers They became uncomfortable and angry with their situation.

War of 1812 War between Britain and U.S. – related to restrictions and military measures put in place by Britain as part of the Napoleonic wars in Europe. Again, any U.S. Resident who fought for the British would be transported to any British colony free of charge.

After the War of 1812 Over 2000 freed Black Americans settled in Canada (1814) REFUGEES: A person who flees his or her home by escaping to another country Once again, many settled in Preston These refugees endured the same empty promises and hardships as the loyalists who came 31 years earlier

History of Preston (con’t) Remember: Originally settled by the Black Loyalists, many left for Sierra Leone. Then settled by the Maroons who also left for Sierra Leone. Finally settled by Black refugees who came after the War of Descendents of the Maroons can still be found in Preston today Most people living in Preston today are descendents of the Black refugees who settled Preston after the war of 1812.

1833 – Abolition of slavery in the British colony 1840s – 8 families buy land and build the community of Africville

American Civil War American North vs. American South North won in 1865 Dec – slavery abolished throughout the U.S.

Reconstruction: Helping Black Americans make the transition into a free society + - Some families were able to reunite Education now available to Blacks Racism, lynch mobs Black Codes – restricted working rights, land owning, interracial marriage Sharecropping (see p.167) – another form of bondage Ku Klux Klan

After the American Civil War Many Blacks Returned to the U.S. to: Reunite with family Find work Conditions in Canada that Led to Return Forced to live in own communities with fewer services than White communities Segregated schools not as well equipped as White schools Few Black students had the opportunity to attend university – many ended up with low paying jobs as adults Problems with discrimination, racism, segregation in Canada too (many people saw no advantage to staying)