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

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    The Duplessis Era

    Duplessis, King, Laurent, Diefenbaker were in power.

    In politics gov't supported provincial autonomy, followed social conservatism and clericalism. (slides 10 12)
    Economy: gov't adopted economic liberalism, explored natural resources and modernized agriculture. (slides 9)
    Social: start of consumer society, exposure to American culture, baby boom and immigration rise (slides 17)
    The period was important because many aspects were developed and it laid the foundation for the QR.
  • Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)

    Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
    • 1948 created new provincial flag (class slides 10)
    • the increase of provincial autonomy led to this event
    • It strengthened Quebec's French identity, unify the culture and was the key symbol of Quebec nationalism (class notes)
  • 1949 Asbestos Strike

    1949 Asbestos Strike
    • Miners wanted safer conditions and more money
    • Duplessis supported employers and declared strike illegal
    • It affected labor movement, the production of Asbestos in Quebec and led to political tensions
  • Baby boom

    Baby boom
    • 1946-1960, population growth due to high rate of natural increase and low infant mortality rate (class slides 17)
    • It led to population growth and demographic shift, expansion of education and schools and economic growth and consumerism
  • Arrival of television in Quebec

    Arrival of television in Quebec
    • 1952 TV arrived in Quebec
    • Strong post-war economy allowed this and it was the start of consumer society
    • It led to exposure to American culture (Americanism) through TV: culture of freedom, material comfort, success
  • Richard Riot

    Richard Riot
    • March 17, 1955 riot breaks out in Montreal when Maurice Richard is suspended from playoffs for fighting
    • an injustice committed by anglophone NHL president against francophone Canadiens superstar caused this event
    • event becomes associated with identity and tension between French-English (all above from class slides 11)
    • It led to rise of Quebec nationalism, tensions between French and English and increase of political awareness (class notes)
  • St. Laurence Waterway completed

    St. Laurence Waterway completed
    • The needs of transportation and the development of economic led to this event.
    • It led to boost of trade and transportation, industrial growth and port development.
    • It strengthened the relations between the USA and Canada, both nations shared benefits.
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    The Quiet Revolution

    Jean Lesage and Pearson were in power
    Politically, State reformed the civil service and electoral map, adopted Labour Code (slides 35)
    Economically, gov't adopted economic nationalism. Economic growth because of different reasons (slides 31)
    Socially, education was secularized, became Welfare State, health care, pension plan Cegeps and Quebec university network were created(slides 28 36)
    In QR, Quebec developed in education, welfare, economy. It got many reforms and large scale of modernization
  • Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs

    • The QR, the decline of the Catholic Church's influence, educational reforms and promotion of French-Canadian identity led to this event (class notes)
    • Secularization and reduction of Church influence, development of cultural policy and support for artists
    • It led to preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of the arts and cultural diplomacy
  • Nationalization of Electricity

    Nationalization of Electricity
    • State wants to control direction of economy and society for the benefit of Quebec, created economic nationalism
    • 1962 nationalized electricity by buying out all electricity companies and merged them with Hydro-Quebec into one crown corporation
    • built dams to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to remote regions
    • It led to many jobs and great source of revenue for the State
  • Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network

    Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network
    • CEGEPs created in 1967 (college and vocational training), Université du Quebec network created in 1968 (class slides 36)
    • The Quiet Revolution, the need for reform in educational system and Parent Commission led to this event (class slides 28)
    • It increased enrollment and promoted French language and culture (class notes)
  • the Labour Code

    the Labour Code
    • 1964 adopted the Labour Code, was very favourable toward unions and allowed state employees to unionize (class slides 35)
    • The QR and growing labor movements led to this event
    • strengthening workers' rights, legal recognition of unions and improved industrial relations
  • Expo 67

    Expo 67
    • Expo 67 in Montreal and Montreal was on world map because of it
    • economic development led to this event
    • It brought cultural exchange
    • It led to tourism boost, development urban transportation and international trade and business
  • 1970 October Crisis

    1970 October Crisis
    • October 1970, FLQ kidnaps James Cross and killed Liberal minister Pierre Laporte (slides 46)
    • War Measures Act invoked, military called out, some FLQ arrested, others given safe conduct to Cuba for James Cross released
    • Quebec radical Nationalism and the Desire for Sovereignty led to this event
    • The event was a major factor in the rise of the Parti Québécois, solidified the divide between Quebec nationalists and federalists, leading to further political and social tensions
  • Health Insurance Act

    Health Insurance Act
    • 1970 Introduction of Québec’s Medicare System (Health Insurance Act)
    • public demands, social movements and rising healthcare costs led to this event
    • to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Canadians, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status
    • It strengthened public healthcare, increased health equity and was the base of modern Canada Healthcare System
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    Quebec under Bourassa

    Bourassa and Trudeau were in power.
    Politically, gov't passed Bill 22, artists took on social questions and Quebec’s political future (slides 53)
    Economically, hydroelectric got developed, oil crisis happened in 1973(slides 47 51)
    Socially, feminists and indigenous people demanded for rights. Gov't adopted social reforms. Union activism for social change(slides 48 49 50 54)
    This period consolidated the QR, developed economy, protected French and improved indigenous people and feminists' rights.
  • Creation of Native Council of Canada

    Creation of Native Council of Canada
    • It was formed to address land claims and defend indigenous people's rights (class slides 48)
    • the increase of indigenous people's desire for political rights led to this event
    • It unified political voice for indigenous peoples, advocacy for indigenous rights and self-determination and strengthened indigenous identity
  • 1973 Oil Crisis

    1973 Oil Crisis
    • 1973 Arab-Israeli war breaks out, OPEC raises prices of oil to weaken non-Arab countries that supported Israel
    • Western economic growth stagnated due to oil shortages and increase in cost of transportation and goods
    • Quebec enters period of economic instability, inflation and reduced purchasing power (all from class slides 51)
  • 1974 Bill 22

    1974 Bill 22
    • 1974 Bourassa government adopted Bill 22 Official Language Act
    • made French the only official language of Quebec and limited access to English schooling
    • reinforced the French character of Quebec
  • James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

    James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement
    • Inuit and Cree sign with Quebec gov’t regarding protection of land, hunting and fishing rights and money for hydro develop (class slides 47)
    • The rise of indigenous political activism and hydroelectric development led to this event (class slides 31 and class notes)
    • It recognized indigenous land rights, led to cultural and social protection and got economic benefits and development
  • Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

    Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
    • all individuals are equal, rights to be respected and promoted, investigate discrimination (class slides 47)
    • the Quiet Revolution, the rise of Quebec nationalism, and growing demands for social justice and equality led to this event
    • It helped establish a strong foundation for human rights protections, advanced the cause of equality and anti-discrimination, and contributed to the evolution of Quebec’s identity as a modern, progressive society (class notes)
  • Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois

    Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois
    • victory of Parti Quebecois 1976 makes Réné Levesque Premier
    • they promised to hold a referendum (public vote YES or NO on a specific question) on Quebec sovereignty (independence)
    • The rise of Quebec nationalism and discontent with the Liberal Party led to this event
    • It led to language legislation and the protection of the French language and changes in Quebec’s economy and social policy
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    QUEBEC UNDER LEVESQUE

    Levesque, Trudeau and Clark were in power
    Politically, it was first time a sovereignty party took power. Gov't adopted Bill 101, took labour, social, political party financing and agricultural reforms(slides 55 56 58 59)
    Economically, economic downturn in late 1970s because of the shortage of oil(slides 60)
    Socially, Quebec became a multicultural society. It received lots of refugees(slides 60)
    In this period, gov't promoted French, did social and economic reforms and protected agricultural land
  • 1977 Charter of the French Language (Bill 101)

    1977 Charter of the French Language (Bill 101)
    • Francophones worried French language losing ground to English. It led to Bill 101
    • 1977 Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) passed to protect and promote language
    • It required children of immigrants attend francophone school until end of high school and imposed French only on commercial and public signs, inside and outside
    • Bill 101 causes many anglophones left for Ontario (Class slides 56)
  • Economic Downturn & The Second Oil Crisis

    Economic Downturn & The Second Oil Crisis
    • A revolution in Iran caused reduction of world supply of oil and led to this event (class slides 60)
    • It caused high rate of inflation and unemployment, low tax revenues (slides 60)
    • These results negatively influenced Canada's economy deeply (class notes)