-
Period: to
Duplessis as Premier of Quebec
The Duplessis era of Quebec, was widely considered to be a dark time and often referred to as the "Great Darkness". Mainly, due to Quebec being held back from progress under Premier Duppplesis's policies of social conservatism, which repressed all forms of secularism. This period of time also followed a growing trend of further autonomy for Quebec. Changes during this time include, the creation of the Quebec flag, rural electrification and growing calls for secularism. (Class Slides, Page 25) -
Period: to
Baby Boom
The influx of returning soldiers from WW2, coupled with the prosperity brought by the victory of said war and absence of many forms of contraceptives, created circumstances in which people were both then comfortable to have babies. All of which created a major change in the population size of Quebec, a growing trend under the leadership of Duplessis. These baby boomer's would later become hippies, contributing to the change In political leanings of Quebecers. (Class Slides, Page 17 and 43). -
Period: to
The Cold War
Post WW2, two superpowers were cemented on the world stage, the US and USSR. Both, wishing to spread their respective ideology(capitalism and communism) and influence all across the world. This lead to major world changes, such as proxy wars and arms races. An example of its effect on Quebec would be Premier Duplessis strongly siding against socialism rising in Quebec, as a rejection of communism. There were many premier's and prime minister's during the Cold War(Class Slides,p.312) -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
-Federal government attempts to encroach on provincial powers.
-In response, to bolster Quebec's autonomy, Duplessis creates a new Quebec Flag.
-Symbolising Quebecs, distinctiveness.
-This greatly affects Quebec socially, as it serves as a symbol which unites people and is still used today. (Class Notes, p.10) -
Refus Global Manifesto Published
-Intellectuals and Artists advocated heavily for secularism during the "Great Darkness"
-As a symbol of their discontent with their government, 15 artists signed a manifesto called Refus Global, which proclaimed that Church should be involved in matters of the state and it's power should be limited.
-This affected Quebec socially, as it demonstrated the growing movement amongst Quebecers who were displeased with the Church's active role in government affairs. (Class Notes, p.14) -
Asbestos Strike
-Miner's began wanting safer conditions and better pay.
-A massive strike broke out, in which the worker's of an asbestos mine tried to bring attention to their cause and to spark change.
-In response the government supported the employer's of the mine, and acted to shut down the strike, leading to police brutality towards strikers.
-This affected Quebec socially and politically as it created further distain amongst Quebecer's for Duplessis.
(Class Slides, p. 14) -
Period: to
The Korean War and Canada's Involvement.
The Korean War is one of the many proxy war's fought during the Cold War. After the end of WW2, the Northern Communist side of Korea(supported by USSR) invaded the Southern Capitalist side(Supported by the US). Although each fought for total control of the peninsula, the conflict ended in a stalemate. Canada helped enforce the UN separation line between both Korea's. This timespan demonstrated to Quebec its need to aline with one global powers. Duplessis and St. Laurent led.(Class Notes, 3) -
Québec Introduces Provincial Income Tax (Fiscal Autonomy)
-The federal government began trying to involve itself in provincial matter's, by offering provinces to relinquish power in exchange for federal subsidies.
- In an effort to further cement Quebec's autonomy and to reject all efforts of federal interference, the provincial income tax was created under Duplessis.
- This lead to Quebec being more financially independent and thus less in need of federal subsidies.
(Class Notes, Page 10) -
Rise of Americanism (Influence from the USA in Media & Culture)
-Quebecers began to be exposed to American Culture
-Due to a strong post war economy, many began purchasing things associated with American culture, such as Tv's, Radio's,Movies, etc.
-Impacting Quebec socially, as its culture was influenced by Americanism.
(Class Notes, p.17) -
Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government – ‘Now or Never! Masters in Our Own House!’
-Duplessis's policy of economic liberalism, meant Quebec's natural resources were sold and exploited by private companies and the profits went to those companies rather than the people.
-Jean Lesage's famous election slogan "Now or Never! Masters in Our Own House!’", served as a message to the Quebec public that his government would nationalize these companies(especially for hydro).
-Impacting Quebec politically, as it was a major factor that led to his victory.
(Reflections,p.228) -
Period: to
The Quiet Revolution
With the death of Duplessis, Lesage ,Johnson, Bertrand and Bourassa would all be Premier of Quebec(Diefenbaker, Pearson, Trudeau all being prime minster) during this timespan . The Quiet revolution changed Quebec it became a welfare state, took charge of its resources, created many crown corporations and public healthcare. This timespan was significant for Quebec, as it allowed the province to progress and for its people to form a new national identity. (Class Notes, P. 28,30,31) -
Nationalization of Electricity
- Hydro Electric Dam's were previously under the control of various companies, due to economic liberalism under Duplessis.
- The state wanted control of it's economy(by extension it's natural resources) and create crown corporations
- Thus, Quebec Nationalises all Hydro Electric companies and turned them into the crown corporation of Hydro Quebec.
- This benefited Quebec economically, as it ensured a reliable flow of electricity to province and created many jobs.
-
Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network
-Daniel Johnson elected as premier of Quebec despite being part of the Union National party continues the trend of the Quiet Revolution set by Jean Lesage
-Creates Cegeps and Université du Quebec network, to expand the educational opportunities of Quebecers and to facilitate getting a blue collar job.
- This impacts Quebec socially and economically, as the level of education of the population in Quebec further increases and more Quebecers can have access to better jobs. (Class Notes, 36) -
Creation of the Ministry of Education
- In line with Quebec's goals of secularizing, education had to become the states responsibility, rather than the Church's. -Additionally, a Parent Commission had submitted suggestions, on how to create high quality public education. -Thus, the department of Education was created. -This benefited Quebec socially and economically, as it's youth had access to high quality free education, thus the majority of the population could be educated and find better employment. (Class Notes, p.28)
-
Birth Rate Drops in Québec
-Contraceptives and Birth Control become more widely available in Quebec.
-More Women are working and less wish to have big families.
-As such, the birth rates plummet.
-This affects Quebec socially and economically, as Quebec has less of a work force and thus has to rely more on immigration. (Class Notes,p.42) -
Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World
- A crucial aspect of the Quiet Revolution was Quebec's evolving national identity. -Quebec and Quebecers wanted to expose their culture and Neo-nationalist identity to the world. -Thus they hosted Expo 67, an event which brought almost all the countries of the world to Quebec. -This impacted Quebec economically and socially, as the tourism business of Quebec thrived during this time and it reinforced Quebec's distinct identity.
-
October Crisis – FLQ Kidnappings & War Measures Act
-Since the 60's, a radical group known as the FLQ existed in Quebec who advocated for separatism and against British Colonialism and Anglophone Power.
-In 1970 the FLQ kidnapped British diplomat Cross and Liberal Minster Laporte.
-War Measures Act invoked, the military sent to Quebec and Cross released in exchange for some FLQ members escaping to Cuba.
-Affected Quebec politically, showed the danger's of radicalism.
-Diminished provincial autonomy as federal got involved. (Class Notes, p. 46) -
First Oil Crisis Begins
-War breaks out between the Arab world and Israel.
-Leading OPEC raises oil prices, to weaken countries supporting Israel.
-Causing oil shortages in Quebec, raising prices.
-This effected Quebec economically, as the higher prices made the cost of living greater,
-Creating a period of economic instability in Quebec, inflation and reducing purchasing power. (Class Notes, P.51) -
: Bill 22 – French as Québec’s Official Language
-Allophones(mother tongue was neither French or English) immigrants coming into Quebec chose to enrol their children in English School's.
-Potentially, lowering French speaking population in Quebec.
-Thus, Bill 22(Official Language Act) was enacted.
-French became only official language of Quebec
-Access to English School's were limited.
-Affecting Quebec Socially, by insuring that no matter the influx of immigrants, the province will remain primarily French speaking. (Class Notes, p.53) -
Superfrancofête – Cultural Affirmation in Québec
-Quebecers continue to find ways to bring to light their new and distinct identity(due to Neo-nationalism).
- La Superfrancofête created for just this purpose and serves as an opportunity to celebrate French culture.
-This affected Quebec socially, as it reinforced its populations identity. (Class notes, p.53) -
James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA)
-Bourassa government launched the James Bay Hydroelectric Project.
-Government reaches agreement with the Inuit and Cree communities, taking into account their concerns such as protection of land, hunting and fishing rights. While, also mentioning funds that will be given to the project.
-This had economic, social and political impacts on Quebec, not only was the project beneficial, but it was achieved through peaceful agreement with indigenous communities to achieve it. (Class notes, p. 47) -
Adoption of Québec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
-Quebec population at this time very sympathetic to social issues and progressive.
-Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, created enshrining in the law that "all individuals are equal, rights to be respected and promoted, investigate discrimination".
-This has massive impact on Quebec society, as it demonstrates the awareness of the Quebec population to maintain equality, even before similar rights were inshrined in Canada as a whole. (Class Notes, p.47) -
Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois
-Growing frustrations with francophone treatment in Canada, led to separatism seeming more appealing to Quebecers.
-Party with separatist platform(Party Quebecois) elected, with René Lévesque as its leader became Premier.
-This greatly effects Quebec, politically and socially, as it paves the way for the referendum for Quebec's independence and further cements Quebecers distinct identity. (Class Notes, p.55) -
Bill 101 – The Charter of the French Language
-The Parti Quebecois which strongly advocated for the importance of the French language decided to pick up where Bourassa left off.
-Bill 101, Charter of the French Language was create to promote and protect the French language.
-Required all children of immigrants to go to French School's and required signage to be in French.
-This had huge social implications for Quebec, as it further cemented French culture in the province, even amongst its immigrants.
(Class Notes, p.56) -
Second Oil Crisis
-Iran undergoes revolution and subsequently reduces world supply of oil.
-Cause's oil crisis, felt all across the globe, with Quebec being no exception.
-High Inflation, High Unemployment, Less tax money collected.
-Quebec government goes into debt, cannot finance all social programs without tax revenue.
-Has major economic and political consequences for Quebec, economy as a whole suffer and serves as major political loss for René Lévesque government.
(Class Notes, p.60)