The Growth of Fredericton

Background Story Before they became the United States of America, the USA was known as the Thirteen Colonies.

The Thirteen Colonies were ruled by the British, just like Canada was.

The colonies became unhappy when the British imposed more and more taxes on them. As a result, they protested by refusing to buy anything from the British. Ex. Clothing, tea, etc.

The Boston Tea Party 1773: Colonists snuck on board of British ships and dumped all of their tea into the Boston Harbour. Why? They were angry at the British government for taxing the colonies.

To make a long story short, a war broke out. This war is known as the American War of Independence. The Thirteen Colonies became the United States of America and were no longer under British rule. George Washington

Those who stayed Loyal to the British (the Loyalists) fled North and settled in our region.

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All settlements are influenced by geographic, political and economic factors. So why was Fredericton chosen as the capital of New Brunswick?

After the War of Independence, the British were afraid that the USA might attack the Brittan's other colonies to the north.

Fredericton was chosen to be capital because the Loyalists wanted an area inland that was not vulnerable to American attack.

Fredericton became important for several reasons: 1. Buildings were constructed to house the provincial government, court system and military.

Fredericton became important for several reasons: 2. Transportation was easy because of the St. John River.

Fredericton became important for several reasons: 3. Abundant resources in the area.

Fredericton became important for several reasons: 4. Location made it easy for economic activity. Trains and rivers made it easy to ship goods to ports

Fredericton became important for several reasons: 5. A major university was built there (UNB)

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