Settlement in the Canadian Maritime Provinces Essay
Introduction
New France was not merely the settlement of a few fur traders. The Acadians were a pastoral like
people who once formed a proud nation in a land called Acadia. Although falling under the
jurisdiction of New France, the Acadians governed separately than the rest of the country and were an
independent entity within New France. Today, the Acadians are the French speaking population of the
Canadian Maritime provinces, and these are the Acadians that were not displaced during the
expulsions, under British rule. Acadia s beginnings, with the construction of Port Royal, could have
marked the colony for success, but instead, led to a troubling conclusion for the European
descendents. Through failed leadership, two ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This settlement became the capital of Acadia and would remain so until the expulsion in 1713,
interrupted only for three years, from 1610 1613, when Port Royal briefly fell under British rule.
Although the population of Port Royal grew slowly at first, the French settlers lived well, farming and
hunting. However, Port Royal was difficult to navigate, due to the constant flooding and unstable
building materials.
Although [in 1687] Port Royal is the largest settlement, it contains only nine or ten buildings the
others being barns. All the houses are low, made of pieces of wood ... covered with thatch.
Despite the fertile ground, providing the Acadians with a diverse diet, it would be a struggle to defend
Port Royal in times of discord. The fort itself also often fell into disrepair, as it was difficult to
maintain when flooding constantly eroded the riverbank. Due to this fertile ground, Port Royal
became desirable to the growing British empire. Despite the failing fort, the British settlers became
interested in Port Royal and realized the potential of the marshland. Farming was the main, but not
only, occupation of the Acadians. These people successfully grew a diverse diet including root
vegetables, grains, fruit, and other vegetables, as well as raising pigs, cattle, and sheep. This aided in
flourishment of the Acadian people but also turned the settlement into a potential conquest for the
English Colonies.
Other Acadian Settlements
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