Chapter 6 | The United States Breaks Away American War of Independence The Loyalists The War of 1812

War of Independence  Britain was deeply in debt after the Seven Years’ War.  Britain wanted the 13 colonies to pay for the troops they had stationed in the 13 colonies.  The War of Independence started as a war between Britain and the Thirteen Colonies, but gradually grew into a World War between Britain on one side and the newly formed United States, France & Spain on the other side.  The war deeply divided communities in the Thirteen Colonies. People who supported the rebellion called themselves “Patriots”. People who opposed the rebellion- who wanted to remain loyal to Britain- called themselves the “United Empire Loyalists” 

The Loyalists  The American War of Independence shattered the British Empire  The United Empire Loyalists were those colonists who remained faithful to the British crown.  The Loyalists came from every class and walk of life.  Some depended on the Crown for their livelihood and status and had considerable wealth and property.  They were farmers, craftsman, clerks, clergyman, lawyers, labourers, soldiers and slaves.

The Loyalists  Their reasons for becoming Loyalists were as varied as their backgrounds.  Some had strong ties with Britain, others sided with what turned out to be the losing side.  Loyalists believed that the British connection guaranteed them a more secure and prosperous life.  Life for Loyalists in the Thirteen Colonies was hard; therefore approximately 70,000 Loyalists fled.

Of these 70,000, roughly 50,000 went to the British North American Colonies of Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Loyalists in Nova Scotia  In the Spring of 1776 the first shipload of Loyalists left the Thirteen Colonies for Nova Scotia. The British government gave them free passage and permitted them to take necessary articles with them.  Up to 30,000 decided to leave for Nova Scotia  Approximately half of the Acadians settled near the Saint John River, in what would later become New Brunswick.

Loyalists in Quebec  Refugees fleeing, coming from various backgrounds.  Bring a new English and Protestant dynamic to the colony.  Most come from upstate New York, back country of Pennsylvania and New England.  Life is in fact better in Quebec than it was in the Thirteen Colonies.

The Quebec Act, 1774  Catholic people in Quebec could practice their religion  Canadiens were allowed to be in the government once they had taken an oath of loyalty to Britain  French civil law was once again allowed, this law still exists and is used in Quebec today  Extended the boundaries of Quebec beyond the proclamation line, however, this was not done by consulting with FN as it was stated in the Royal Proclamation of 1763

Impacts on First Nations  The Loyalists had a major impact on FN, especially Mi’kmaq and Anishinabe  The Loyalists were farmers – this led to Britain negotiating treaties/agreements with FN  Prior to Loyalists arriving Britain had peace treaties with FN  Once the Loyalists arrived Britain negotiated treaties as a way of taking over FN land for settlements  Why would they need more land for settlements?