-
Period: to
Duplessis Era - La Grande Noirceur
This post ww2 cold war era was characterized by a division between the west and the east. Economically Quebec was strong. Maurice Duplessis was the premier of Quebec. His Union National party was supported the idea of returning to rural life as well as catholic values, while promoting foreign investment and economic liberalism. -
Act to Promote Rural Electrification
The Duplessis government introduced a program to electrify rural Québec, bringing power to farms and improving the standard of living in the countryside. By 1956, 90% of farms had electricity, helping modernize agriculture and industry. This program was part of Duplessis' broader effort to promote rural development while maintaining traditional values. -
Period: to
Baby Boom and Immigration
After WWII, Québec saw a dramatic increase in birth rates, with over two million babies born between 1945 and 1960. Alongside this, large numbers of immigrants arrived from Europe, particularly from Italy, Greece, Poland, and Germany, contributing to the province's cultural and demographic shift. This led to the creation of new suburbs and contributed to the economic boom in Québec. -
Period: to
Suburban Growth & Consumerism
The post-WWII era marked a period of economic prosperity, with the rise of consumerism and the growth of suburban neighborhoods. As American goods like radios, televisions, and cars became more widely available, they reshaped daily life in Québec. This period also saw increased cultural influence from the United States, particularly in music, media, and advertisements. -
Period: to
The Cold War
The Cold War divided the world into capitalist (USA and allies) and communist (USSR and allies) blocs. Though Canada never engaged in direct conflict, it was part of NATO and influenced by Cold War tensions. Québec experienced both economic growth and growing nationalist sentiments during this period. -
Refus Global Manifesto Published
A group of artists and intellectuals, led by figures like Jean-Paul Riopelle, published the Refus Global manifesto, rejecting Duplessis' conservative, church-dominated policies. They called for a more modern and secular society, challenging the status quo of the time. This movement was a precursor to the broader social changes of the Quiet Revolution. -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
Duplessis’ government officially adopted the Fleurdelisé as Québec's flag in 1948, replacing the Union Jack. This symbol was a clear statement of Québec's identity and pride in its French heritage. It marked a growing desire for more cultural and political independence from the rest of Canada. -
Asbestos Miner Strike
Maurice Duplessis was the premier during this time. He was very suspicious of unions and considered them communist. Therefore in response to the miner strike he supported the employers and declared strike illegal. The workers were striking for better working conditions and better pay. -
Period: to
Korean war
After ww2 Korea was divided into north communist and south capitalist, Civil War broke out. USSR and China supported the north with supplies etc. USA and allies supported the south with supplies etc. In the end Canada joins UN forces. -
Québec Introduces Provincial Income Tax
In 1954, Duplessis' government introduced a provincial income tax to help finance Québec's growing expenditures. This move was part of Duplessis' efforts to strengthen the province's economic independence and reduce reliance on federal funding. -
Jean Lesage’s Liberals Win Election – Start of the Quiet Revolution
Jean Lesage's victory in 1960 marked the beginning of the Quiet Revolution, a period of profound change in Québec. His government implemented reforms that reduced the influence of the Catholic Church, nationalized key industries, and began a push for greater provincial autonomy. The slogan "Maîtres chez nous" symbolized Québec's new direction. -
Period: to
The Quiet Revolution
With the election of Jean Lesage in 1960, Québec modernized rapidly. The government took control of education and healthcare, reduced the power of the Church, and promoted economic independence through crown corporations. The era’s slogan, “Maîtres chez nous” (Masters in Our Own House), symbolized Québec’s push for self-determination. -
Nationalization of Electricity (Hydro-Québec Expansion)
In 1962, Québec's government nationalized electricity by consolidating private power companies under the newly created Hydro-Québec. This move was part of a broader strategy to increase provincial control over key resources and reduce foreign influence in Québec’s economy. -
Period: to
Nationalization of Key Industries
In an effort to gain control over its economy, Québec's government nationalized key sectors, beginning with Hydro-Québec in 1962. The province established crown corporations to oversee industries such as steel and mining, ensuring Québec’s economic independence from foreign corporations. These nationalizations played a major role in transforming Québec into a more self-sufficient and economically independent region. -
Married Women Gain Legal Independence
Bill 16 passed in 1964, granting married women the right to manage property and sign contracts independently of their husbands. This was a crucial step in advancing women’s legal rights and increasing gender equality in Québec. -
Creation of the Ministry of Education
The provincial government took control of education in 1964 by establishing the Ministry of Education. This move ensured standardized education across Québec, and secondary education became free and mandatory for children until the age of 16. -
Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity
Montréal hosted the world’s fair, Expo 67, which highlighted Québec’s cultural and technological advancements. The event significantly raised the province’s global profile and showcased its distinct identity, making a lasting impact on its modern self-image. -
Introduction of Québec’s Medicare System
Québec implemented its own universal healthcare program under the Carte Soleil in 1970, providing free medical care to all citizens. This was part of a broader effort by the provincial government to expand social services and reduce the influence of the Church in healthcare. -
October Crisis – FLQ Kidnappings & War Measures Act
In October 1970, the FLQ kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and Québec Minister Pierre Laporte, demanding Québec’s independence. The federal government invoked the War Measures Act, suspending civil rights, and military troops were deployed to restore order. Laporte was found dead, and the crisis ended with the release of Cross in exchange for FLQ members being granted safe passage to Cuba. -
Period: to
Growth of Québec Neo-Nationalism
The rise of Québec neo-nationalism in the 1970s was led by René Lévesque and his Parti Québécois, which advocated for Québec's sovereignty. Lévesque's government focused on protecting the French language and culture from the influence of English-speaking Canada and promoted Québec’s political and economic independence. The sovereignty movement culminated in the 1980 referendum, which ultimately failed but set the stage for future political battles. -
Period: to
Common Front Strikes & Labour Movements
Throughout the 1970s, public sector unions and professional associations organized strikes to demand better working conditions, wages, and job security. The resulting Common Front strikes involved tens of thousands of workers and paralyzed the province at several points. These strikes led to significant changes in Québec’s labour laws and provided more rights to workers in the public sector. -
James Bay Hydroelectric Project Announced
Québec began the James Bay Hydroelectric Project to meet growing energy demands. However, Indigenous groups, particularly the Cree and Inuit, were not consulted initially, leading to protests. The project was eventually revised following negotiations that resulted in the 1975 James Bay Agreement, securing Indigenous land rights and compensation. -
Period: to
Oil Crises & Economic Challenges
The 1970s brought economic hardships due to rising oil prices, leading to inflation and a slowdown in economic growth. Québec, like the rest of the world, faced job losses and business closures, which contributed to growing frustration. In response, the government focused on promoting locally-owned French businesses and expanding resource development as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the economic downturn. -
Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois
René Lévesque’s Parti Québécois won the 1976 election, marking a pivotal moment in Québec’s sovereignty movement. The PQ promised to hold a referendum on Québec’s independence, sparking a renewed focus on the province’s future relationship with Canada. -
Bill 101 – The Charter of the French Language
Bill 101, passed in 1977, made French the official language of Québec, mandating its use in government, business, and schools. The law was designed to protect the French language and culture but created tensions, particularly among the English-speaking population in Québec.