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In 1603, King Henry IV of France gave Pierre Dugua de Mons the right to colonize parts of North America.
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In 1604, Dugua arrived with 79 settlers and built a fort at the St. Croix River. The first winter was harsh, and 36 colonists died.
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The survivors moved and founded Acadia, which prospered thanks to good relations with the Micmac people, who taught them survival skills.
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Rivalry with England grew, and Acadia shifted between French and English control.
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In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht forced France to cede Acadia to Britain, who renamed it Nova Scotia.
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The French-speaking Acadians were seen as troublesome by the British because of their ties to France and their fertile lands.
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In 1755, the British demanded Acadians swear allegiance and fight against France. When they refused, British troops destroyed their homes and forced about 14,000 Acadians into exile.
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Some fled to Quebec, while others traveled to Louisiana, where they became known as Cajuns.
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Today, Cajun descendants still live in Louisiana and many continue to speak a French dialect.
✨ This text shows how Acadia’s history reflects colonial rivalry, cultural resilience, and the lasting legacy of the Acadian people in North America.