Hessians in Antarctica

Antarctican Hessians are an ethnic group in Antarctica. They are descendants of Hessians, German mercenaries hired by the British during the American Revolutionary War, who fled in exile in large numbers back to Germany, then to Australia and then Patagonia before finally settling in the Antarctic. As of 2020, 96,905 Antarcticans identify as Hessian descendants.

This group is most prevalent in Bellingshausen, the capital city, where they became one of the city's first inhabitants.

History
Hessians were German soldiers who served as auxiliaries to the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. The term is an American synecdoche for all Germans who fought on the British side, since 65% came from the German states of Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Hanau. Known for their discipline and martial prowess, around 30,000 Germans fought for the British during war, comprising a quarter of British land forces.

Before the end of the Revoulutionary War, some Hessians mutinied against the British and joined the Americans. After the war, the Hessian mutineers fled to Patagonia, while those who kept their loyalty to the British returned to Germany.

During the last half of the 18th century, most fled Hessians began migrating to Australia in numbers. At the turn of the 19th century, Hessians would start migrating to Patagonia. Eventually, after the foundation of Antarctica, exiled Hessians left Patagonia and Germany to voluntarily assist in the foundation of the city of Bellingshausen. Some Hessians then founded the Antarctic Army.

Currently, an estimated 97,000 Hessian descendants live in Antarctica. Hessians and their descendants are still prevalent in Bellingshausen, but also have minority populations in other major cities, including Edwardia and Novosochi.