Quebec under Duplessis: 1935 to 1960 The two official symbols of Quebec?

Brief history of French-English relations French controlled North America until mid- 18 th century – relegated to “second-class status” after loss in Seven Years’ War French controlled North America until mid- 18 th century – relegated to “second-class status” after loss in Seven Years’ War French (Lower Canada) spent much of 19 th century under English rule (eg. Chateau Clique) French (Lower Canada) spent much of 19 th century under English rule (eg. Chateau Clique)

Brief history of French-English relations Canada East was a significant part of Confederation – Province of Quebec created Canada East was a significant part of Confederation – Province of Quebec created Still often treated as secondary citizens Still often treated as secondary citizens Wilfrid Laurier became first Francophone PM from – only until St. Laurent (1948) Wilfrid Laurier became first Francophone PM from – only until St. Laurent (1948)

Conscription Crises Conflict between government and French citizens in WWI and WWII over conscription Conflict between government and French citizens in WWI and WWII over conscription

Conscription Crises Anglophone PMs Borden (1917) and Mackenzie King (1942) handled situation poorly Anglophone PMs Borden (1917) and Mackenzie King (1942) handled situation poorly

Conscription Crises Created tension between Quebec and English Canada Created tension between Quebec and English Canada

Union Nationale emerges Union Nationale was an alternative party started in response to Great Depression in early 1930s Union Nationale was an alternative party started in response to Great Depression in early 1930s Maurice Duplessis was leader and served as premier for 18 years ( and ) Maurice Duplessis was leader and served as premier for 18 years ( and )

Union Nationale emerges Duplessis dominated Quebec politics until his death in 1959 Duplessis dominated Quebec politics until his death in 1959 Duplessis was known as “Le Chef” (“The Chief”) Duplessis was known as “Le Chef” (“The Chief”)

Duplessis’ Politics Duplessis was known for nationalism – advocating rights for Québec Duplessis was known for nationalism – advocating rights for Québec Adopted flag in 1948 (right) Adopted flag in 1948 (right)

Duplessis’ Politics Balanced budgets and helped Balanced budgets and helped advance Québec’s infrastructure But opinion of Duplessis is divided: But opinion of Duplessis is divided: He was anti-union and Anti-Communist He was anti-union and Anti-Communist He used corrupt and unscrupulous methods He used corrupt and unscrupulous methods His time in power is now known as La Grand Noirceur (“The Great Darkness”) [READ] His time in power is now known as La Grand Noirceur (“The Great Darkness”) [READ]

Intro to Richard Riot Hockey was always important to Quebec Hockey was always important to Quebec

Intro to Richard Riot The Montréal Canadiens were winningest team in NHL history and were very important to Quebec’s Francophone identity The Montréal Canadiens were winningest team in NHL history and were very important to Quebec’s Francophone identity

Intro to Richard Riot Their most popular player was a fiery-tempered Quebec-born winger named Maurice “Rocket” Richard Their most popular player was a fiery-tempered Quebec-born winger named Maurice “Rocket” Richard

Richard Riot (continued) At the end of the season, Richard was poised to win his first scoring title At the end of the season, Richard was poised to win his first scoring title In a late-season game against the Boston Bruins, Richard punched an opposing player and the referee after being high-sticked In a late-season game against the Boston Bruins, Richard punched an opposing player and the referee after being high-sticked

Richard Riot (continued) Richard was suspended for the last games of the season and the playoffs by NHL President Clarence Campbell Richard was suspended for the last games of the season and the playoffs by NHL President Clarence Campbell Campbell then attended the next game in Montréal on March 17, 1955 (St. Patrick’s Day) Campbell then attended the next game in Montréal on March 17, 1955 (St. Patrick’s Day)

Richard Riot (continued) Fans started pelting Campbell with eggs and vegetables, and a tear-gas bomb was set off Fans started pelting Campbell with eggs and vegetables, and a tear-gas bomb was set off The game was forfeited, and the arena was evacuated The game was forfeited, and the arena was evacuated

Richard Riot (continued) Rioting began on Rue Ste-Catherine Rioting began on Rue Ste-Catherine Stores within 15 blocks were looted and vandalized, causing about $500,000 damage Stores within 15 blocks were looted and vandalized, causing about $500,000 damage At least 60 people were arrested, and 25 c At least 60 people were arrested, and 25 c

Richard Riot (continued) At least 60 people were arrested, and 25 civilians and 12 policemen were injured in violence that lasted until 3 AM At least 60 people were arrested, and 25 civilians and 12 policemen were injured in violence that lasted until 3 AM

Significance of Richard Riot Richard had become a symbol of Quebec nationalism (“hometown hero”) Richard had become a symbol of Quebec nationalism (“hometown hero”) Campbell, an anglophone, was seen as representative of English Canada Campbell, an anglophone, was seen as representative of English Canada

Significance of Richard Riot The Riot demonstrated disaffection with treatment of Quebeckers in Canada The Riot demonstrated disaffection with treatment of Quebeckers in Canada Riot served as lead-in to “Quiet Revolution” Riot served as lead-in to “Quiet Revolution”

Significance of Richard Riot And Richard lost the scoring title to his teammate Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal finished in 2 nd place, and they lost the Cup Final to Detroit in Game 7…in Detroit. And Richard lost the scoring title to his teammate Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal finished in 2 nd place, and they lost the Cup Final to Detroit in Game 7…in Detroit.