Why didn't the acadians sign the oath of allegiance?

The Acadians did not sign the oath of allegiance to the British during the 18th century primarily due to their desire to maintain their cultural identity and avoid conflict with the French-speaking Catholic population. They feared that signing the oath would require them to fight against the French in the event of conflict. Additionally, many Acadians had established a peaceful coexistence with the British and were wary of the implications of loyalty to a government that had previously displaced them. Their refusal ultimately contributed to the Expulsion of the Acadians in the mid-1700s.