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Father Le Loutre's War (1749-1755)

Despite Acadia been controlled by the British since the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, the Acadians, with their French lineage had refused to swear an oath of Loyalty to the British Crown. As the Acadians vastly outnumbered the British garrison, it was allowed for nearly 40 years. By the end of King George's War; the British began to question the neutrality of the Acadians and their Catholic leader; Father Jean-Loius Le Loutre. In 1749, the British increased their military control over Nova Scotia and New Brunswick; building forts and increase the size of the garrisons. The British also provoked the Micmacs by establishing the Protestant settlement of Halifax; which went against their treaty with the First Nations group. The founding of Halifax is seen as the spark that set-aflame the six year war. Acadian and Micmac forces continuously attacked Halifax in more than half of the 24 battles that marked the war. The French responded to the British military buildup, with one of their own - building forts and increasing garrisons along the Acadian boarder. Father Le Loutre would move a large number of Acadians to the French settlements of Chignecto, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. On June 4, 1755, the British with a force of 2,400 led by Colonel Robert Monckton attacked Fort Beausejour, which was defended by 400 French, Acadian, and Micmack troops. They were no match for the combined British and New England force. The Fort capitulated on June 16, following a 12-day siege. The British were so frustrated with the Acadian uprising, they proceeded to expel close to 10,000 Acadians. They were sent either to the 13 British Colonies, or to France; many would die on the voyages. Father Le Loutre would escape to Quebec, and travel to France, where he would die in 1772.   (New England Historical Society)

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