Working relations in southeastern Cape Breton Acadian communities, 1767-1820

Abstract

The story of the Acadians in Nova Scotia is one of self-reliance, devastation, and working relations. The research surrounding the Acadians has focused primarily on their ability to form a unique identity that separated them from other European populations and the Grand Dérangement that saw the British forcibly remove the Acadians from their communities. Due to this displacement, the common belief beyond academia has been that the Acadians and British were always enemies. In an attempt to expand the historical knowledge surrounding the Acadians, this thesis focuses on the adaptability of the Acadian population in southeastern Cape Breton and how they were able to diversify communities and economies. The success of the cod industry and the ability of the Acadians to exploit it, meant that their communities evolved into hubs for British and other European settlers and businesses. The Acadians managed to adapt and form working relations with their neighbours for the betterment of all.