United Empire Loyalist formed

After the American Revolutionary War ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, many Loyalist soldiers and civilians, especially those from New York and northern New England, evacuated from New York City due to increased hostility. Most sought refuge in Canada, where many had already migrated during the war. These Loyalists’ relocation significantly impacted the population and development of British North America, particularly in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the future provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as they helped shape the Anglo-Canadian cultural landscape.

The title "United Empire Loyalist" (UEL) was an honorific granted by Lord Dorchester to American Loyalists who moved to British North America during or after the American Revolution. Many Loyalists settled in Nova Scotia and Quebec, leading to significant demographic changes. In 1784, New Brunswick was formed from Nova Scotia, and in 1791, Quebec split into Lower and Upper Canada, partly to accommodate the influx. Loyalists received land grants to encourage settlement, significantly increasing the English-speaking population in Canada and shaping its future cultural landscape.