Acadia, from its initial settlement in 1604 until 1713, was a part of the French colonial empire in North America. By the Treaty of Utrecht most of Acadia with its French population was ceded to the British. The political instability generated by the anomalous position of the Acadians eventually led to their expulsion in 1755. During the 50 years which followed their efforts at repatriation were thwarted and only toward the end of the period did they finally settle in places offering a measure of security. The trends of their migrations over the period are illustrated, as well as their final settlement pattern in 1800.