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Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion

Pat Mitchell

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From the shores of France to the coasts of North America, the Acadians had established a thriving, self-sufficient community in Acadia, a region that encompassed present-day New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. However, their idyllic existence was abruptly shattered by a series of events that would forever alter their destiny: the Great Expulsion.

This historical tragedy, known in French as the Grand Dérangement, unfolded over a period of six years, from 1755 to 1763, as a result of the conflict between the British and French empires during the French and Indian War (also known as the Seven Years' War). After years of escalating tensions and skirmishes, the British authorities decided to forcibly remove the Acadians from their homeland, fearing their potential allegiance to the French Crown.

Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion

by Walter R. Borneman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5443 KB
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Print length	:	164 pages

The Broussard Family

Amidst the chaos and despair of the Great Expulsion, there was the story of one particular family: the Broussards. Jacques Broussard, a farmer, and his wife, Marie, lived in the village of Grand-Pré, Acadia, with their five children. As British troops closed in on their village, the Broussards faced an impossible choice: abandon their home and livelihoods or risk arrest and deportation.

With heavy hearts, they opted for the former, joining the thousands of Acadians who were being rounded up and forced onto ships bound for distant lands. The Broussard family, along with 2,000 other Acadians, was herded onto the ship "Duke William" and set sail for the unknown.

A Perilous Voyage

The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean was a harrowing experience. Overcrowding, disease, and unsanitary conditions turned the ships into floating death traps. Hundreds of Acadians, including children, succumbed to illness and starvation during the perilous journey.

The "Duke William" eventually arrived in the British colony of South Carolina, where the Broussards and their fellow Acadians faced further hardships. They were separated from their families, auctioned off as indentured servants, and subjected to harsh treatment at the hands of their British overseers.

Scattered and Dispersed

The Great Expulsion scattered the Acadian people far and wide. Some were sent to other British colonies, such as Georgia and Maryland, while others were deported to France or the Caribbean islands. The Broussard family was split apart, with some members ending up in different parts of the American South and others in Europe.

Despite the challenges and adversity they faced, the Acadians eventually regrouped and rebuilt their lives in their new surroundings. They established new settlements, preserved their language and culture, and became an integral part of the communities they had been forced to join.

Legacy of the Great Expulsion

The Great Expulsion was a defining moment in Acadian history, a collective trauma that shaped their identity and destiny. It is estimated that over 10,000 Acadians were deported during this period, with countless others killed or displaced.

The legacy of the Great Expulsion continues to resonate today. It is a reminder of the horrors of forced displacement and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Acadian communities across North America and around the world commemorate this tragic event to ensure that the memory of their ancestors and the lessons learned from their suffering are never forgotten.

The story of the Acadian Driftwood, as exemplified by the Broussard family, is a poignant and enduring testament to the human costs of war and colonialism. Torn from their homes and scattered to the winds, the Acadians faced unimaginable hardships and adversity. Yet, they persevered, preserving their culture and identity against all odds.

Their legacy is one of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit that has guided the Acadian people throughout history.

Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion

by Walter R. Borneman

4.6 out of 5