Study Notes on the Acadian Deportation and Its Historical Context

Overview of the Acadian Deportation

  • The New York Gazette's correspondent in Halifax writes about the situation involving the Acadians.

  • A new directive has come forth regarding the Acadians, who are identified as neutral French citizens.

  • Charles Lawrence, the new governor, demands that the Acadians swear a new oath, which poses significant implications.

Oath of Allegiance

  • Lawrence’s demand involves an oath without reservations, differing from a previous arrangement.

  • The Acadians respond with a refusal based on historical precedent:

    • They cite a commitment made twenty-five years earlier by their ancestors that they should not renounce.

    • They assert: "Our fathers, having taken for themselves and on our behalf, an oath of allegiance which has since been approved many times in the name of the king."

    • Their argument hinges on maintaining the conditions and privileges granted by their ancestors and sovereigns, which they view as unalterable.

Orders from Governor Lawrence

  • Lawrence issues directives on August 11, 1755, to Lieutenant Colonel John Winslow, commander of the Massachusetts unit at Grand Prey.

    • He instructs Winslow to gather the inhabitants for transportation by "either stratagem or force, as circumstances may require."

    • Expresses no regard for any protests from the inhabitants, stating:

    • "But above all, I desire you would not pay the least attention to any remonstrance or memorial from any of the inhabitants."

    • Acknowledges the unpleasant nature of the task:

    • "The duty I have now, though necessary, is very disagreeable to my nature and temper."

Consequences for the Acadians

  • The actions result in severe consequences for the Acadian people:

    • All lands, tenements, and livestock are forfeited to the crown, except for money and household goods.

    • The Acadians are to be forcibly removed from their homes.

  • Anecdote of Jean Labrador’s family (seven members):

    • They end up in Salem, Massachusetts, facing extreme hardship:

    • Denied proper means to collect firewood.

    • Left without adequate shelter and provisions during winter.

    • Detailed personal struggle: "When it rains, we're obliged to move the bed from part of the wet…"

    • When seeking help from local authorities, they propose absurd solutions, illustrating their neglect and abandonment.

Population Impact

  • The deportation significantly reduces the Acadian population:

    • Only 165 families remain out of approximately 10,000 people, showcasing the scale of displacement affected by these policies.

Historical Reflection

  • Discussion on whether the actions constitute genocide:

    • Definition offered: "If you specifically try and get rid of a population from where they are because of their culture and they end up not surviving in large amounts, then it's gonna be genocide."

    • Alternative terms discussed include "displacement" and questioning direct intent to kill.

Involvement of the Mi'kmaq

  • Inquiry about the Mi'kmaq's position regarding the Acadian deportation:

    • Clarification that the Mi'kmaq people did not actively try to resist or fight back against the Acadian deportation.

    • They sought to preserve their own cultural relationships with the Acadians, suggesting a nuanced relationship rather than direct intervention.

Transition to New Topic

  • The conversation shifts away from historical context to another topic regarding education and professional work experience at Bloomberg:

    • Begins the transition with a statement about teaching positions at Bloomberg, signaling a switch in focus for further discussion.

  • This conversation illustrates the complexities of cultural displacement, the implications of colonial policies, and the legacy of the Acadian deportation all while transitioning into a separate topic on professional experience.