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Period: to
Maurice Duplessis as Premier
Duplessis, leader of the Union Nationale, became Premier of Quebec. His era is known as La Grande Noirceur due to its strong conservatism, opposition to modernization, and close ties between the government and Catholic Church. He kept the Church in control of education and healthcare slowing social change but strengthening Quebec's identity and independence. His policies delayed modernization, but inspired the Quiet Revolution, leading to Quebec's transformations in the 1960s Class notes p.1-6 -
Act to promote Rural Electrification
Many farms and rural communities in Québec had no electricity, making daily life and work difficult.
The act to promote rural electrification connected thousands of farms and rural homes to electrical grids. Farmers could now use electric machinery, increasing productivity. Information found under 1945-1959: beginnings and development on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydro-Qu%C3%A9bec -
Refus Global Manifesto Published
Because of Duplessis's traditionalist, conservative, and too-close ties to Church policies, many groups and citizens began to oppose him. 15 artists, including Borduas and Riopelle, signed a manifesto called "Refus Global" to limit the power of the Church over society; they wanted the state to take charge of education and health. The manifesto is seen as a foundational document in Quebec that led to the shift toward secular governance. Info found on Audras notes shared with me under Protests. -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Quebecs flag)
Maurice Duplessis thought that creating a provincial flag was a way for Québec to emphasize its independence and autonomy within Canada.
The Fleurdelisé became a symbol of Québec nationalism, particularly during the Quiet Revolution.
The Fleurdelisé remains a powerful symbol of Québec's culture, language, French roots and identity. info taken from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Quebec and
from audras notes shared with me under the provincial autonomy section -
Asbestos Strike
The 1949 asbestos strike saw miners demanding safer conditions and higher wages due to the dangers of asbestos. These strikers became violent and led to interference with the police. Premier Maurice Duplessis supported the employers and declared the strike illegal.
The strike showed how the government mistreated workers, which led to more labor activism and helped spark the changes of the quiet revolution in Québec.
class slides p.14 -
Arrival of Television in Quebec
The strong post-World War 2 economy sparked the beginning of consumer society. There was mass consumption of goods, including television
Businesses began using television to advertise products, influencing consumer behavior.
Television led to exposure to American culture (Americanism) through TV, radio, and movies: a culture of freedom, material comfort, and success. info is taken: from audras notes shared with me under Societal change (post-WW2) -
Introduction of Provincial Income Tax (Fiscal Autonomy)
Duplessis introduced provincial taxes to enable Quebec to be more autonomous and reduce dependence on federal funding. In 1954, the Provincial Tax Act enabled the Quebec government to deduct taxes from personal income. Maurice Duplessis believed that these taxes would help the province manage its expenses better. As a result, Quebec residents began filing two tax returns each
year. info found:
https://www.alloprof.qc.ca/en/students/vl/history/society-under-the-duplessis-government-h1645 -
Election of Jean Lesage's Liberal Government
Duplessis's death (1959) ended Union Nationale rule. Jean Lesage's Liberals won in 1960 with the slogan "It's Time for a Change," and led the Quiet Revolution. He modernized Québec's economy and government, reduced the Catholic Church's influence, reformed education and healthcare, and strengthened Québec's identity while maintaining ties to Canada and laying the groundwork for future nationalist movements.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lesage audras
notes under Jean Lesage taken in Feb -
Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs
"Affirmation measures" during the Quiet Revolution were policies aimed at empowering Francophones and asserting Quebec's distinct identity within
Canada. The state promotes Quebecois identity and culture, creates the Department of Cultural Affairs, promotes the Arts (Office du film du Quebec), all in
1961. They also created Office de la langue française, which is responsible for promoting the French language in Quebec. Museums, concert halls, and theatres were built. class slides p.34 -
Nationalization of Electricity
During the Quiet Revolution, Jean Lesage wanted to modernize Quebec's economy and rely less on private companies. The government took over electricity companies and combined them into Hydro-Québec, a state-owned crown corporation ensuring control. They built dams to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to even remote regions, which provided money for public services, and helped Quebec become a leader in hydroelectric power, selling energy to the U.S. and other provinces.
Class slides p.31 -
Establishment of CEGEPs and Université du Québec Network
Québec needed a more modern, accessible education system. CEGEPs were created to bridge high school and university or vocational careers, making higher education accessible. Université du Québec provided affordable university education across Québec, reaching smaller communities.
Leads to a more educated society, and more job opportunities.
Chapter notes, p.36 -
Creation of Ministry of Education
Before the Quiet Revolution, education in Quebec was largely controlled by the Catholic Church, leading to limited access and an outdated education system. The Parent Commission recommended major reforms to create high-quality public education. Quebec established comprehensive high schools and vocational programs. This allows more people to finish school, making job opportunities and strengthening Canada's economy.
Info found in audras notes shared with me under education. -
Bill 16 - Married Women Gain Legal Independence
It was introduced by Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, granting married women greater legal autonomy.
They gained full legal rights, including signing contracts and opening bank accounts without husbands' permission. It marked an important step toward gender equality in Québec. It also empowered women economically and socially, increasing their role in society.
info found: in audras notes shared with me under Gender Sexuality
Rights issues. -
Expo 67
Montreal aimed to establish itself as a global city, using Expo 67 as an opportunity to showcase its culture, innovation, and progress. It attracted many tourists and the opening of the Montreal Metro.
There was the development of cultural hubs like Place des arts. Quebec's arts, music, and literature became very popular, reinforcing a distinct identity
info found in audras notes shared with me under cultural renaissance. -
Charles de Gaulle's "Vive le Québec libre" Speech
Charles de Gaulle sympathized with Québec's nationalist movement and wanted to support Québec's cultural identity and autonomy. His speech caused tension between Canada and France, upsetting the Canadian government. It increased pride among Québécois and strengthened nationalist movements in Québec.
info found
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ de-gaulle-and-vive-le-quebec-libre-feature -
Passage of Bill 63
In the 1960s, immigration increased concerns about the decline of the French language and the influence of English. The Quebec government passed Bill 63, which aimed to promote the French language by requiring English-educated children and immigrants to learn French. However, francophones opposed the bill for being too weak in protecting French, which was replaced by Bill 22, which imposed stricter language requirements.
info found:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/
bill-63 -
October Crisis
Since the mid-1960s, radical separatists targeted symbols of British colonialism and anglophone power. In October of 1970, the FLQ kidnaps British diplomat James Cross and Quebec Minister Pierre Laporte, who was later murdered. In response, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau created the War
Measures Act, suspending civil liberties and leading to mass arrests. The crisis significantly impacted Canadian politics and Quebec's separatist movement.
class slides p.46 -
Introduction of Québec's Medicare System
The provincial government took over healthcare administration from the Catholic Church, shifting to a secular, state-run system. In 1970, the Health Insurance Act was established, which allowed for universal public health insurance, covering medical services for Quebec residents. In 1974 CLSCs were formed (community clinics). Quebec aligned with federal Medicare, implementing a publicly funded healthcare system by the late 1960s.
Class notes p.13 -
Laurendeau-Dunton Commission & Bilingualism Debate
The Laurendeau-Dunton Commission examined bilingualism in Canada to address Québec's demands for linguistic protection. The commission found that Francophones were underrepresented in government jobs and faced more challenges than Anglophone minorities in Quebec. In response, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau passed the Official Languages Act in 1969, making English and French Canada's official languages, and ensuring equal status and services nationwide.
info found audra notes under Dunton -
James Bay Hydroelectric Project Announced
In 1973, the James Bay hydroelectric project launched. This developed massive hydroelectric dams, boosting Quebec's energy production and economy. In 1975, James Bay and Northern Quebec made an Agreement: Inuit and Cree sign with Quebec. This recognized Indigenous land rights, granting self-governance and compensation for development. The James Bay Project focused on boosting Quebec's economy through industrialization.
class notes p.15 -
Bill 22 - French as Québec's Official Language
In Quebec, most immigrants whose mother tongue was neither French nor English chose to send their children to English schools. This led to francophones worried that the French language was losing ground to English. Therefore, in 1974, the Bourassa government adopted Bill 22, the Official Language Act that made French the only official language of Quebec and limited access to English schooling. This was designed to reinforce the French character of Quebec.
Class Slides p.53 -
Superfrancofete - Cultural Affirmation in Quebec
The Superfrancofête (1974) emerged from Québec's Quiet Revolution, reflecting a growing pride in Francophone identity and culture. Theatre troupes and filmmakers became more politically engaged, advocating for social issues like women's rights, workers, and the unemployed. Musicians performed at major outdoor events, including Saint-Jean-Baptiste festivities, la fête nationale, and Superfrancofête, which attracted large audiences.
class notes P.15 -
Adoption of Quebec's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
Quebec wanted to establish its own human rights protections, separate from federal laws. In 1975, the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms, protecting individuals from discrimination in Quebec. It strengthened legal protections for minorities, workers, and marginalized groups in quebec.
info found in audra notes shared with me under developments. -
Election of Rene levesque & The parti quebec
Rene Levesque was the Premier of Quebec from 1976-1985. He was the founder of the Parti Quebecois and served as Quebec's 23rd premier.
He was a key figure in the province's movement toward greater autonomy and sovereignty. He believed in greater independence for Quebec, he spearheaded the 1980 Quebec referendum. He introduced reforms such as Quebec's first laws protecting tenants and workers. He also implemented campaign finance reforms to limit corporate donations in politics.
Class Notes p16 -
Bill 101 - The charter of the french language
In 1977, Jean Lesage enacted Bill 101, establishing French as Quebec's official language. The law mandated French as the primary language in government, business, and public life. It restricted access to English schools, requiring children to attend French unless their parents received English education in Canada. Businesses with 50+ employees had to operate in French, and commercial signs prioritized French. As a result, many Anglophones left for Ontario.
class notes page 17 under Bill 101