The Loss of Acadia and its Aftermath

1694-1755

Losing Acadia- French and English were involved in

War of Spanish succession

- France fighting for control over Spain, while doing this English took over Caribbean

- 1713 Treaty of Utrecht allowed France to keep Caribbean if they gave up Acadia; officially became a British colony

Louisbourg- Louisbourg was built on modern day

Cape Breton

- It was a fortress intended to prevent the British from sailing up the St. Lawrence River and attacking New France

- Was not effective; the area was fogged in which meant they could not get ships out due to bad weather

Expulsion of the Acadians

- Oath of Allegiance was a statement of loyalty to the British King; it was used to prevent revolting of the French

- King was English Protestant and French were Roman Catholic, Acadians refused to take the oath

- In 1755 approx. 12,000 people of French Acadian origin lived in Acadia, by 1760 about 10,000 of them had been expelled

- Many went to New Orleans

Imagine you were a member of French Acadia society when the English gained control, do you think you would take the oath of allegiance? Why would you? Why would you not?

Please write a paragraph to explain your decision.