History & Geography · Grade 7 · British North America: Transition and Conflict · Term 1

American Revolution's Impact on Canada

Examine how the American Revolution influenced British North America, leading to the Loyalist migration.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: New France and British North America, 1713–1800 - Grade 7

About This Topic

The Loyalist migration was one of the most significant demographic events in Canadian history. Following the American Revolution, tens of thousands of people who remained loyal to the British Crown fled the newly formed United States. This diverse group included White Loyalists, Black Loyalists (many of whom were formerly enslaved), and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) allies like those led by Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). Their arrival fundamentally changed the makeup of British North America, leading to the creation of New Brunswick and Upper Canada (Ontario).

Students will examine the varying experiences of these refugees, noting that while White Loyalists often received land grants, Black Loyalists faced systemic discrimination and poorer land. This topic highlights the complexity of Canadian identity and the origins of the English-speaking population in many regions. It is best taught through collaborative investigations into personal stories and 'refugee trunk' activities.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the reasons why some colonists remained loyal to the British Crown.
2. Compare the experiences of different Loyalist groups migrating to British North America.
3. Evaluate the immediate demographic and political changes brought by the Loyalist influx.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the primary motivations of colonists who chose to remain loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.
• Compare the resettlement experiences of White Loyalists, Black Loyalists, and Indigenous allies following the American Revolution.
• Evaluate the immediate demographic shifts in British North America resulting from the Loyalist migration.
• Explain the political consequences of the Loyalist influx on the governance of British North America.

Before You Start

Causes of the American Revolution

Why: Students need to understand the basic conflicts and reasons for the American Revolution to grasp why some colonists remained loyal.

Indigenous Peoples and European Colonization in North America

Why: Understanding the existing Indigenous populations and their relationships with European powers is crucial for analyzing the impact of the Loyalist migration on these groups.

Key Vocabulary

Loyalist	A person living in the thirteen colonies who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution and often migrated to British North America afterward.
Haudenosaunee Allies	Indigenous nations, such as the Mohawk, who allied with the British during the American Revolution and relocated to British North America.
Black Loyalists	Enslaved or formerly enslaved African people who supported the British during the Revolution, often in exchange for freedom, and subsequently migrated to British North America.
Land Grants	Parcels of land given by the British Crown to Loyalists as compensation for property lost in the United States and to encourage settlement in British North America.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

All Loyalists were wealthy and White.

What to Teach Instead

Loyalists came from all social classes and included many Black and Indigenous people. Using a 'diversity profile' activity helps students see the true range of the Loyalist population.

Common Misconception

Loyalists were welcomed with open arms in Canada.

What to Teach Instead

While the British government supported them, the sudden arrival of thousands of refugees created tension with existing French and Indigenous populations over land and resources. A role play about land claims can surface these tensions.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Refugee Trunk

Groups are given a list of items a Loyalist family might have packed. They must choose only five items to take and explain their choices based on the challenges of starting a new life in the wilderness.

40 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Diverse Loyalist Stories

Stations feature the stories of a Black Loyalist in Nova Scotia, a Haudenosaunee leader, and a White Loyalist family. Students collect evidence of the different challenges and rewards each group faced.

50 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: The Impact of 1791

Students discuss how the influx of English-speaking Loyalists led to the Constitutional Act of 1791, which divided Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada. They share how this division shaped Canada's future.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Historians at Parks Canada research the journeys and settlements of various Loyalist groups, using primary source documents like letters and diaries to understand their challenges and contributions to early Canadian society.
• Genealogists today trace family histories back to the Loyalist migration, connecting descendants to specific regions in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and to the historical events that shaped their ancestors' lives.
• Urban planners in cities like Saint John, New Brunswick, can study the original settlement patterns of Loyalists to understand the historical development of city layouts and community structures.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with three brief hypothetical profiles: a wealthy merchant Loyalist, an enslaved person promised freedom, and a Haudenosaunee warrior. Ask students to write one sentence explaining why each person might have chosen to migrate to British North America and one potential challenge they might have faced upon arrival.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Was the Loyalist migration a story of opportunity or hardship for all involved?' Facilitate a class discussion where students use evidence from their learning to support arguments for both perspectives, considering different Loyalist groups.

Quick Check

Present students with a map of British North America circa 1785. Ask them to identify and label at least two key areas where Loyalists settled and briefly explain one reason for settlement in one of those areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Black Loyalists?

Black Loyalists were people of African descent who joined the British side during the American Revolution, often in exchange for the promise of freedom and land. Many settled in Nova Scotia, though they often faced harsh conditions and broken promises.

How did the Loyalists change the map of Canada?

Their arrival led to the creation of the province of New Brunswick in 1784 and the division of the Province of Quebec into Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec) in 1791.

Why did Joseph Brant lead the Haudenosaunee to Canada?

Joseph Brant led his people to the Grand River valley in what is now Ontario because they had lost their traditional lands in New York after supporting the British. The British granted them land in recognition of their loyalty.

How can active learning help students understand the Loyalist migration?

By focusing on personal narratives and 'survival' simulations, students can empathize with the refugee experience. Active learning moves the topic away from dry statistics and toward an understanding of the human cost of war and the resilience required to build a new society from scratch.