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The Duplessis era begins (1944-1959)
Cause:
-The great depression led to The Union Nationale being voted
-the people were unhappy with the previous liberal gov.
-This was a reaction to previous policies Effect:
-Pro-catholic policies were applied
-Duplessis and the Union Nationale were involved
-Due to this the social development fell behind Impact:
-The Duplessis Era stalled modernisation until the quiet revolution.
-influenced more progressive reforms in the 1960s.
-This was influenced by the cold war -
Baby Boom (1945-1960)
Cause:
-Soldiers came back from fighting in WWII
-Vaccines and better healthcare contributed.
-A reaction to social stability in Quebec
Effect:
-A significant increase in birth rate
-The population at large was involved
-Led to rise of new generation that would eventually drive political and economic change
Impact:
-influenced development of social policies, particularly in education and healthcare
-The large youth influenced modernization
-It was influenced by soldiers coming back from WWII. -
Immigration from Western & Eastern Europe and China (1945-1960)
Cause:
-WWII led to this immigration
-due to economic expansion larger workforce required
-It was caused by the gov. seeking to increase immigration
Effect:
-Immigrants from Italy, Eastern Europe, and China came to Quebec
-Duplessis and Union Nationale involved
-They caused development in city center's
Impact:
-Immigration helped economic expansion
-It prompted future debates about identity and culture
-Increase in immigrants would become a problem during Quiet the Revolution -
Act to Promote Rural Electrification (1959)
Cause:
-lack of electricity in rural areas hindered growth
-After WWII there was a push for better infrastructure
-This was due to lack of development in rural areas
Effect:
-Electricity was brought to rural areas
-Union Nationale, catholic church and Duplessis were involved
-Resulted in electricity becoming more widespread
Impact:
-It helped reduce the rural-urban divide
-It set the stage for future industrial development
-This event was influenced by post cold war technological advancements -
The Cold War (1947-1991)
Cause:
-Tensions between the Soviet Union and Western allies.
-Desire to contain communism globally.
-Canada’s alignment with NATO and U.S. interests. Effect:
-Canada became involved in military alliances and peacekeeping.
-Leaders: Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale), Louis St. Laurent (Canada).
-Québec’s political stance remained divided. Impact:
-Influenced Québec’s foreign policies.
-Strengthened the U.S.-Canada military alliance.
-Québec’s role in global peacekeeping was highlighted. -
Refus Global Manifesto Published (1948)
Cause:
-Disappointing Government with Duplessis
-A growing artistic liberal movement
-A response to perceived suppression of artistic expression.
effect:
-A manifesto was published against the catholic church
-Involved Catholic church, Duplessis and Union nationale
-A push for secularism arose
Impact:
-It began the Quiet Revolution
-It contributed to the rise of Secularism in Quebec
-It was just the beginning to a broader cultural and political transformation in the 60's -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (1948)
Cause:
-A desire to seperte from British colonial symbols
-A sense of pride among french speaking quebecois
-It was a reaction to a poor representation of french
Effect:
-The Quebec flag was created
-Duplessis and the union Nationale were involved
-It signaled a push for greater political autonomy
Impact:
-later impact the Quebec sovereignty movement
-It was a precursor to the Parti Quebecois
-It began debates about Quebec's identity and culture -
Asbestos Strike (1949)
Cause:
-Poor working conditions for asbestos miners
-Growing dissatisfaction with working conditions
-Part of a larger wave of labour unrest across North America
Effect:
-Violent clashes between asbestos miners and police and strikes.
-Maurice Duplessis and Union National concerned
-Led to some labour reforms
Impact:
-It would characterize the Quiet Revolution
-It began labour unions, particularily in the public sector
-Laid groundwork for political and social change in the 60's -
Korean War – Canada Joins UN Forces (1950-1953)
Cause:
-The Korean War supported by china in 1950
-Canada was a peacekeeper so joined
-The war was part of broader Cold war
Effect:
-Canada joins UN to fight against North Korea and
-Louis Saint Laurent was PM of Canada
-Canadian soldiers die fighting
Impact:
-It strengthened inter-provincial relations
-Led do debates about Quebec autonomy
-Influenced Canada’s future foreign military policy. -
Suburban Development Expands (1950-1960)
Cause:
-Post-WWII economic growth and increased demand for housing.
-Rise in automobile ownership and infrastructure expansion.
-Shift towards suburban living. Effect:
-New suburban areas expanded across Québec.
-Involved Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale).
-Growth of the middle-class communities. Impact:
-Changed Québec’s population distribution.
-Increased urbanization and people depended on cars.
-Changed local economies and community structures. -
Majority of Immigrants Come from Italy (1950-1970)
Cause:
-Post-WWII labor shortages in Québec.
-Canada’s immigration policies encouraging European immigrants.
-Economic recovery and need for workers. Effect:
-Italians became the largest immigrant group.
-Leaders: Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale), Louis St. Laurent (Canada).
-Cultural and demographic movements in Québec. Impact:
-Changed the cultural landscape of Québec with more diveristy.
-Influenced future immigration policies.
-Strengthened multicultural identity in Québec. -
Arrival of Television in Québec (1952)
Cause:
-Technological advancements in broadcast media.
-Rising demand for entertainment and information.
-Growth of consumer society and suburbanization. Effect:
-Television became a dominant medium.
-Leaders: Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale), Jean Drapeau (Montreal Mayor).
-Media shaped public opinion and culture. Impact:
-Transformed political communication.
-Enhanced the rise of consumer society.
-Strengthened French-language media in Québec. -
Québec Introduces Provincial Income Tax (1954)
Cause:
-Economic growth and need for provincial fiscal independence.
-Federal-provincial tensions over financial control.
-Desire to expand provincial services. Effect:
-Québec introduced its own provincial income tax.
-Leaders: Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale), Louis St. Laurent (Canada).
-Increased provincial revenue and autonomy. Impact:
-Strengthened Québec's political autonomy.
-Set a precedent for fiscal independence.
-Increased control over social services and infrastructure. -
Vietnam War & Canadian Opposition (1955-1975)
Cause:
-Cold War tensions and fear of communist spread
-Canada’s alliance with the U.S. in international conflicts
-Growing opposition to American military actions Effect:
-Canada opposed U.S. military involvement.
-Leaders: Lester B. Pearson (Canada), Maurice Duplessis (Québec).
-Québec became a center for anti-war protests Impact:
-Strengthened Québec’s distinct political identity
-Increased divide between federal-provincial views
-Fueled anti-American feeling and independence movement -
Contraception Becomes More Accessible (1957)
Cause:
-Growing demand for family planning
-Changing social attitudes towards sexuality
-Pressure from women’s rights movements Effect:
-Contraceptives became more widely available
-Leaders: Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale), Health authorities
-Empowered women’s control over reproductive choices Impact:
-Major shift in social and family structures
-Set the stage for the feminist movement in Québec
-Influenced future social policies on women’s rights -
Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government (1960)
Cause:
-Discontent with Duplessis' conservative rule
-Desire for modernization and reform in Québec
-Influence of younger voters and intellectuals Effect:
-Jean Lesage’s government focused on social reform
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal), Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale)
-Established the foundation for the Quiet Revolution Impact:
-Shifted Québec to a more secular and progressive government
-Began the Quiet Revolution
-Promoted nationalization and education reforms -
Rise of Americanism in Media & Culture (1960's)
Cause:
-U.S. cultural influence and global media expansion
-Québec's proximity to the United States and shared borders
-Economic integration through trade and media Effect:
-Increased influence of American culture on Québec
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal)
-Cultural tensions between French and Anglo-American values Impact:
-Strengthened Québec's sense of cultural preservation
-Began demands for cultural autonomy
-Led to the establishment of cultural institutions like Télé-Québec -
Rise of Consumer Society in Québec (1960-1969)
Cause:
-Post-WWII economic growth and rising disposable income
-Suburbanization and technological advancements
-Shift from industrial to consumer-based economy Effect:
-Increased consumer spending and demand for goods.
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal), Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale)
-Growth of advertising and media influence Impact:
-Defined Québec’s economic and cultural identity
-Spurred rapid urban development
-Increased focus on individualism and consumption -
Chilean Refugees Arrive in Canada & Québec (1960-1970)
Cause:
-Political instability in Chile after the military coup
-Canada’s commitment to accepting refugees from Latin America
-International solidarity with anti dictatorship movements Effect:
-Thousands of Chilean refugees settled in Québec
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal)
-Immigrants enriched Québec’s cultural diversity Impact:
-Contributed to Québec’s growing multicultural society
-Strengthened advocacy for refugee rights
-Played a role in Québec's growing identity as a welcoming society -
Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs (1961)
Cause:
-The Quiet Revolution push for cultural development
-Desire to preserve French heritage and culture
-Economic and political push for greater autonomy Effect:
-The department was tasked with promoting Québec's culture
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal), Gérard Filion (Cultural Affairs)
-Focused on funding the arts, literature, and cultural programs Impact:
-Strengthened Québec’s cultural identity
-Led to the rise of French-Canadian arts
-Influenced future cultural policies and laws -
Nationalization of Electricity (Hydro-Québec Expands) (1962)
Cause:
-Québec wants economic autonomy control over resources
-Growing need for infrastructure development
-The Quiet Revolution focus on state led modernization Effect:
-Hydro-Québec became provincial CC
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal), René Lévesque (Minister of Natural Resources)
-Electricity generation and distribution nationalized Impact:
-Strengthened Québec control over economic resources
-Became a symbol of Québec’s growing autonomy
-Set the stage for later state-led economic projects -
Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network (1963)
Cause:
-redoing education system to align with modern needs
-ideas from the Parent Report on educational reform
-The desire to provide accessible post-secondary education Effect:
-CEGEP and Université du Québec were established
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal), Paul Gérin-Lajoie (Minister of Education)
-Expanded access to education for Quebecois youth Impact:
-Increased accessibility to higher education
-Improved educational outcomes in Québec
-Established a foundation for the future workforce -
Creation of the Ministry of Education (Parent Report Recommendations) (1964)
Cause:
-A growing demand for educational reform in Québec
-The Parent Report emphasized improving the education system
-Desire for secular and modernized education Effect:
-Ministry of Education was established to oversee reforms
-Leaders: Jean Lesage (Liberal), Paul Gérin-Lajoie
-Increased accessibility to education for all children Impact:
-Increased government investment in education
-Shaped future educational policies in Québec
-made a more skilled, educated workforce -
Bill 16 – Married Women Gain Legal Independence (1964)
Cause:
Growing feminist movements for women’s rights
Recognition of gender inequality in legal matters
Changing social attitudes towards women's roles Effect:
Bill 16 gave married women legal independence
Leaders: Maurice Duplessis (Union Nationale), Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain
Legal recognition of women’s ability to manage finances Impact:
Empowered women politically and socially
Contributed to the broader feminist movement in Québec
Influenced later gender equality laws in Canada -
Passage of Bill 63 – Language Rights Debate (1969)
Cause:
-Increasing demands protection of French language right
-Tensions between anglophones and francophones over language policy
Influence of the Quiet Revolution and nationalism Effect:
-Bill 63=measures to protect French language in schools
-Leaders: Jean-Jacques Bertrand (UN), René Lévesque (Liberal)
-Created platform for ongoing debates on language rights Impact:
- Led to more aggressive language policies
-Strengthened Quebecois identity
-divide in french vs english speaking communities