What was a significant reason for the expulsion of the Acadians?

The expulsion of the Acadians, often referred to as the Great Upheaval, was significantly driven by their resistance to British rule. After the British took control of Acadia following the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, they struggled to assimilate the Acadian population, who were primarily French-speaking and maintained their distinct cultural identity. The British authorities were concerned about the Acadians' loyalty, especially during the context of the Seven Years’ War, when tensions between Britain and France escalated.

The Acadians were seen as a potential threat due to their refusal to swear allegiance to the British Crown, which was perceived as an act of defiance. This resistance was rooted in their desire to preserve their way of life, language, and cultural ties to France. The British government viewed this stance as a justification for their expulsion, prompting the deportation of thousands of Acadians from their homes between 1755 and 1764.

Other options, such as disputes over land ownership and support for the French monarchy, played lesser roles compared to the Acadians' resistance to British rule. The assertion of neutrality during the Seven Years’ War also did not factor significantly in the decision for expulsion, as it was primarily the perceived threat to British power