How Did Nova Scotia Become Neutral During The American Revolution

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The American Revolution spurred on by the idea of National Independence in the original thirteen colonies. Colonist in New England wanted Independence from Britain and the right to govern their own country. Many Americans, from both New England and the Province of Canada, came to the aid of the revolution. Some Americans in Nova Scotia did manage to participate in the revolutions cause. However, the majority of New Englanders in Nova Scotia did not get involved in the war. This essay will argue that, the majority of the New Englanders in Nova Scotia remained neutral during the American Revolution because of the conditions they had to cope with, the locations of their communities and military control. During the mid to late 17th century, …show more content…

Further to the effects of famine, economy was also a major problem for New Englanders. Settlers struggled to find economic success through Nova Scotia’s market because it prevented local and poor farmers from making money from what little produce they grew. Successful settlers ran the market and created competition in agricultural surplus.4 Other colonies, like Newfoundland, also created economic and commercial competition for local Nova Scotian farmers and fishers.5 A New England trading group in the West Indies also made economic and trading competition even more aggressive. The commercial and economic rivals hampered Nova Scotia’s economic success creating more poverty and prevented the colonies’ …show more content…

Halifax’s navy was one of Britain’s strongest naval bases. Central areas or cities were well protected and military officials would shut down any conflicts that occurred. Once the American Revolution began, the Halifax government started to actively seek out New Englanders and suppress them. 17 The military created anxiety among American settlers.18 Officials would arbitrarily detain or arrest Yankees, delay trials and indict people with charges they did not commit.19 The Halifax government-in order to justify their actions- created the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act. This act gave officials the authority and jurisdiction to continue suppressing rebellion the way they were going about it (unfair trials, detention).20 The struggles of dealing with corrupt military officials and a corrupt judicial system instilled fear and anxiety in American settlers in Nova Scotia. However, there was a new addition to military tactics to help subdue a rebellion, privateers. Privateers would also bring fear and anxiety which ultimately prevented opportunities for rebellion. Privateers tormented New Englanders who settled along the coast. The sea around Nova Scotia was also filled by Privateers and the British Navy and this made it harder for New Englanders to help aid their American relatives21. When New Englanders had the chance to rally some supporters and leave Nova