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

2. The Hockey Sweater

3. Duplessis’ Quebec
Quebec Premier , 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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 “Maitre Chez Nous”

9. 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….

10. 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

11. 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 “Vive le Quebec Libre”

12. 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 – “Language Wars”

13. 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

14. 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