[1945-1980] The Modernization of Québec & The Quiet Revolution

The Duplessis era begins

1944

Maurice Duplessis became Premier of Québec, a position he held until 1959. His political ideology was focused on traditional values, anti-communism, and opposition to federal involvement in provincial affairs.

Act to Promote Rural Electrification

1945

Cause:
Rural Québec lacked electricity, creating economic and social inequalities.
Farmers struggled with outdated technology and low productivity.
Effect:
Passed in 1945, supporting rural electricity cooperatives.
Hydro-Québec expanded power infrastructure.
Maurice Duplessis’
Thousands of rural homes gained electricity, improving living conditions. Impact:
Boosted modernization and economic growth.
Reduced rural-urban inequality.
Strengthened Hydro-Québec, leading to future nationalization.

Refus Global Manifesto Published

1948

Cause:
Québec society was dominated by conservative Catholic values under Premier Maurice Duplessis.
Many artists and intellectuals felt stifled by censorship and traditionalism.
In 1948, Paul-Émile and 1 other artists published Refus Global, rejecting the conservative status quo
Refus Global became a key influence on the Quiet Revolution (1960s).
Helped shift Québec toward secularism and cultural modernization.
Marked an early step in Québec’s broader movement for social and political change.

Adoption of the Fleurdelisé

1948

Cause: Desire for a distinct Québec identity separate from British influence.
Growing nationalism and rejection of the Union Jack as the provincial flag. Effect: Premier Maurice Duplessis officially adopted the Fleurdelisé on January 21, 1948.
The flag replaced the Union Jack as Québec’s official symbol. Impact: Strengthened Québec’s national identity.
Became a powerful symbol of Québec pride and autonomy.

Asbestos Strike

1949

Cause: -Poor working conditions and low wages for asbestos miners in Québec.
-Growing labor movement challenging corporate and government control. Effect: -Over 5,000 workers went on strike against Johns-Manville in 1949.
-Harsh repression from the Duplessis government, with police intervention. Impact: -Inspired future labor movements in Québec.
-Marked a shift toward workers' rights and social change, influencing the Quiet Revolution.

Arrival of Television in Québec

1952

Cause: Growing demand for modern entertainment and mass communication.
Influence of American and European broadcasting. Effect: -CBC/Radio-Canada launched Québec’s first TV station in 1952.
-Television quickly became popular, shaping culture and politics. Impact: -Strengthened Québec identity by promoting French-language media.
-Played a key role in the Quiet Revolution by spreading new ideas.

Introduction of Provincial Income Tax

1954

Cause -Québec needed more revenue for social programs after the Great Depression.
-There was tension over the balance of power between federal and provincial governments.
Effect -Québec introduced its own provincial income tax in 1948, led by Premier Maurice Duplessis.
-The provincial government gained financial control and independence. Impact This event paved the way for more provincial autonomy and future social reforms in Québec.

Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government

1960

Cause
Discontent with Maurice Duplessis' conservative Union Nationale government.
Growing demand for social, educational, and economic reforms. Effect
Jean Lesage’s Liberal Party won the 1960 election, ending Duplessis’ long rule.
Sparked the Quiet Revolution, leading to major reforms in healthcare, education, and the economy. Impact
Shift toward modern, progressive policies.
Strengthened Québec nationalism and autonomy.

Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs

1961

Cause
Need to preserve and promote Québec’s French-Canadian culture during the Quiet Revolution. Effect
The Department of Cultural Affairs was created to oversee the development of cultural policies and institutions in Québec. Impact
Strengthened Québec's cultural identity and autonomy.
Promoted French language and arts in Québec society.

Nationalization of Electricity

1962

Cause
-Desire to gain control over Québec’s energy resources and reduce foreign ownership. Effect
-The Québec government nationalized the electricity industry, creating Hydro-Québec. Impact
-Strengthened provincial control over resources.
Hydro-Québec became a major source of revenue and a symbol of Québec’s growing autonomy.

Establishment of CEGEPs

1963

Cause
-Need for accessible higher education and to modernize the education system during the Quiet Revolution. Effect
-CEGEPs were established as a new level of education between high school and university. Impact
-Expanded access to post-secondary education in Québec.
Promoted social mobility and contributed to a more educated workforce.

Creation of the Ministry of Education (Parent Report Recommendations)

1964

Cause
-Recommendations from the Parent Report to overhaul Québec's education system and make it more inclusive and modern. Effect
-The Ministry of Education was created to oversee and implement education reforms in Québec. Impact
-Centralized control of education in Québec and led to widespread reforms in curriculum and school systems.
-Strengthened the secular and modern nature of education in the province.

Bill 16 – Married Women Gain Legal Independence

1964

Cause
-Growing demand for gender equality and women’s rights during the Quiet Revolution. Effect
-Bill 16 granted married women legal independence, allowing them to manage their own property and finances. Impact
-Marked a significant step toward gender equality in Québec.
-Empowered women to have greater control over their personal and financial lives.

Charles de Gaulle’s 'Vive le Québec libre' Speech

1967

Cause
-Support for Québec’s nationalist movement and growing desire for independence. Effect
-Charles de Gaulle, President of France, delivered the speech in Montréal, declaring "Vive le Québec libre!" Impact
-Stirred nationalist sentiment in Québec and increased tensions between Québec and the Canadian federal government.
-Strengthened the Québec sovereignty movement.

Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World

1967

Cause
-Desire to showcase Québec’s cultural identity and modernity on the global stage during the centennial of Canada. Effect
-Expo 67 was held in Montréal, highlighting Québec's French heritage, innovation, and cultural achievements. Impact
-Strengthened Québec’s international reputation and pride in its cultural identity.
-Boosted tourism and economic growth in Québec.

Passage of Bill 63

1969

Cause
-Growing demand for the protection and promotion of the French language in Québec. Effect
-Bill 63 was passed, allowing French to be taught in schools but also giving parents the choice to send their children to English-language schools. Impact
-Marked the beginning of language reforms in Québec.
-Set the stage for future language legislation, including the more restrictive Bill 101.

October Crisis – FLQ Kidnappings & War Measures Act

1970

Cause
-Radical separatist group FLQ kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Minister Pierre Laporte, demanding political reforms. Effect
-The federal government, under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, invoked the War Measures Act, granting extraordinary powers to the police. Impact
-The crisis led to the eventual capture of FLQ members
-The War Measures Act increased tensions over civil liberties and Québec’s political future.

Introduction of Québec’s Medicare System

1970

Cause
-The need for universal healthcare and improved social welfare, following recommendations from the 1964 Parent Report. Effect
Q-uébec introduced its provincial Medicare system, providing free healthcare to all residents. Impact
-Increased access to healthcare for Québecers and strengthened the province's social safety net.
-Set the foundation for the national healthcare system in Canada.

James Bay Hydroelectric Project Announced

1971

Cause
Québec's need for more power generation to support its growing economy and urbanization. Effect
The Québec government, under Premier René Lévesque, announced the James Bay Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest energy projects in North America. Impact
Led to significant economic growth.
Resulted in environmental impacts and tensions with Indigenous groups, leading to legal disputes and negotiations.

Superfrancofête – Cultural Affirmation in Québec

1974

Cause
Desire to celebrate and promote French-Canadian culture and identity during the Quiet Revolution. Effect
The Superfrancofête festival was held in 1974 in Québec City, featuring music, art, and performances to celebrate Francophone culture. Impact
Reinforced cultural pride among Québec’s French-speaking population.
Strengthened Québec’s cultural identity and its affirmation as a distinct society.

Bill 22 – French as Québec’s Official Language

1974

Cause
Growing demand to protect and promote the French language in Québec due to concerns over the dominance of English.
Desire to strengthen French-speaking Québec’s cultural identity. Effect
Bill 22 was passed, making French the official language of Québec and requiring all public services to be provided in French. Impact
Strengthened the position of French in Québec society and government.
Set the stage for more comprehensive language laws.

Adoption of Québec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

1975

Cause
Growing demand for a comprehensive legal framework to protect individual rights and freedoms in Québec. Effect
The Québec government adopted the Charter, which guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals, including protection against discrimination. Impact
Strengthened civil rights in Québec and set a legal precedent for human rights protections.
Inspired other legal reforms and was an important step in Québec’s social development.

Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois

1976

Cause
Desire for greater sovereignty and dissatisfaction with the Liberal government. Effect
Parti Québécois, led by René Lévesque, won the 1976 election, and Lévesque became Premier. Impact
Shifted Québec politics towards sovereignty and social reforms.

Bill 101 – The Charter of the French Language

1977

Cause
Efforts to protect and promote the French language in Québec amid concerns over the dominance of English. Effect
Bill 101 made French the official language of Québec, mandating its use in government, education, and the workplace. Impact
Strengthened French language rights in Québec and reshaped the province’s cultural identity.

Economic Downturn & The Second Oil Crisis

1979

Cause
The second oil crisis, triggered by rising oil prices and supply disruptions, combined with global economic instability. Effect
Québec, along with many other economies, faced inflation, unemployment, and economic recession. Impact
Led to increased government intervention in the economy and a push for energy diversification in Québec.