The expulsion of the Acadians
Ten thousand people deported, and a cuisine born in Louisiana
See it on the timeline →In depth
The Acadians were French-speaking farmers who had lived in present-day Nova Scotia for over a century when the region passed to British rule. Le Grand Dérangement struck around three-quarters of a population of some fourteen thousand, and mortality in transit was high. The word "Cajun" is a contraction of "Acadien". The episode is among the earliest cases of systematic removal of a civilian population in modern European warfare, and it remains central to Acadian identity in Canada today.
For children
The British deported the French-speaking population from what is now Nova Scotia and New Brunswick because they would not swear unconditional allegiance. Families were split up and sent to different colonies. Many ended up in Louisiana, where their descendants are called Cajuns.
Sources
This event has no source references yet. Do you know where it is well attested — a book, an article, a reference work? We would very much like to hear from you.
Help us with sourcesReport a correction
Found something that does not hold? Tell us — sources help, but are not required.
Report a correctionPart of Terra Saga — the story of Earth on a timeline. terrasaga.org ·