TOPIC 3 The Duplessis Era in Quebec Quebec Part 1 TOPIC 3 The Duplessis Era in Quebec

The Hockey Sweater

Duplessis’ Quebec Quebec Premier 1936-1939, 1944-1959 when he died (Union Nationale) Wanted traditional live and values back to the farm and simple country life. Kept federal government interference to a minimal Refused federal government money and grants for education

Duplessis’ Quebec continued Delayed needed reform modernization industrialization Controlled unions and kept wages and benefits low for workers Encouraged Eng. Canadian and American investment in Quebec factories, businesses and natural resource Montreal 1950

How did Duplessis stay in power? Weak opposition Was supported by the Catholic Church Was a good speaker – Convinced Quebecers that he was the champion Quebec’s survival Ridings were rewarded with new roads, hospitals and other services if they supported him Unions were squashed – believed to be communistic inspired Big Business (English Canadian and American) supported him in return for business opportunities in Quebec

Results - Outcomes French Canadians did not get the education needed to be competitive in the post-war era Big business belonged to English speaking Canadians French Canadians felt like 2nd class citizens in their own country Great resentment towards English Canada

Jean Lesage and the Quiet Revolution Quebec Part 2 Jean Lesage and the Quiet Revolution

Lesage and the Quiet Revolution Duplessis dies 1959, Jean Lesage becomes leader Lesage promises: (Quiet Revolution Goals) improve social standards improve economic standards Win greater recognition for Fr. Slogan “Maitres chez nous / masters in our own house” Video Peoples History 1964-76 “Maitre Chez Nous”

Quiet Revolution Continued Education: give control to province rather than church Curriculum focus on business, technology, science and engineering – tools to function in the industrial world Social Programs Shift from RC Church to state Economic Standards Private Hydro-electric companies (in foreign hands) were brought by the state and became Hydro Quebec – symbol of economic liberation Language made working language French, not English Culture Pro French political themes and messages emerged in new freedoms of expression – books, film, art, music….

Outcome of the Quiet Revolution French Canadians realized the extent of the discrimination they had injured. New middle-class of elite emerged that challenged Quebec’s position in Confederation French Canadian and English Canadian relations tense Rise of separatist groups (3) FLQ bombings 1960 3 Wise Men

Expo 67 Canada (Montreal) hosts the World Fair Celebrates our Centenary (100 years) 50 million visitors from 60 countries visited French President Charles DeGaulle delivers a speech to a roaring enthusiastic crowd “vive le Quebec libre” Rallied a cry for Quebec separation Video Peoples History 1964-76 “Vive le Quebec Libre”

P.M. Pearson’s Federal Response: Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism Purpose: To examine the state of Fr /Eng. relations in Canada and make recommendations Made of equal numbers French and English speaking members + 2 members from other ethnic groups Video Peoples History 1964-76 – “Language Wars”

Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism Findings: Strong regional self-interest everywhere in Canada In Quebec, rise of radical separatist groups Battle of 2 majorities (Quebec and Canada) Recommendations Canada should be a bilingual country Eng & Fr. Official languages of parliament and federal courts Government services should all be offered both languages anywhere in Canada

The Quebec Question All 3 recommendations carried out in the Official Languages Act, 1969 By the Trudeau Government. Known as Bill 101 Still not enough FLQ October Crisis 1970