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Maurice Duplessis as Premier
Duplessis supported economic liberalism, the exploitation of natural resources and the modernization of agriculture. Premier Duplessis also defended Quebec’s jurisdiction from federal interference, reinforcing their provincial autonomy. Duplessis had equally had strong relations with the Catholic church, which emphasized upon his traditional values and way of ruling.- Duplessis Government (Economic Policies, Provincial Autonomy)
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Act to Promote Rural Electrification
Premier Maurice Duplessis' government passed the Act to Promote Rural Electrification to bring electricity to rural areas and help modernize farming. The law encouraged farmers to form cooperatives and get electricity to improve their farms. This helped Duplessis maintain political power because many of his supporters were farmers, and this act benefited them. -Economic Policies of Duplessis Government -
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Baby Boom
During the Baby Boom, there was a rapid increase in population due to high birth rates and lower infant mortality. People also received higher wages, leading to a rise in consumerism. This growth helped shape Québec’s economy and society, contributing to the provinces modernization. -Societal Change (Post-War Boom) -
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The Cold War
The cold war, 1947-1991, was a geopolitical standoff marked by distrust, propaganda, and an arms race between the USA and its capitalist allies (West) and the USSR and its communist allies (East). Although the conflict never turned into direct battle, tensions increased through events like the Korean War. The cold war mainly revolved around trying to gain global influence. -International Context -
Refus Global Manifesto Published
The Refus Global manifesto was published in 1948 by artists ad intellectuals with the common goal of limiting the power the church had on society. They wanted modernization and therefore advocated for state to take charge of education health rather then the church. What they wanted was known as secularism (church is limited to religious sphere, have no say in education.) -Protest Movements (The Artists and Intellectuals) -
Adoption of the Fleurdelisé (Québec’s Flag)
In 1948, Québec adopted the Fleurdelisé as its official flag. This was an important step in asserting the province’s autonomy, pride and identity within Canada.- Class Slide 10
- Provincial Autonomy (Duplessis)
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Asbestos Strike
Workers in Quebec’s asbestos mines faced unsafe conditions and low pay. More importantly, they were exposed to asbestos dust fibres, which causes serious health issues. The workers went on strike, demanding better wages, safer conditions, and the right to form a union. In the end, Premier Duplessis sided with the employers, declaring strikes illegal. This resulted in Duplessis facing opposition from the workers, trade unionists, intellectuals and artists. -Protest Movements (Union Conflicts) -
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Suburban Development Expands
In the 1970s, suburban development in Québec grew rapidly as more people moved out of urban areas like Montreal. This was because in suburban areas the housing was more affordable, their was improved transportation, and their was a desire for more space. New suburban neighbourhoods were built, and many families began to settle in these areas, which did raise concern regarding the farmland that was being lost to this urban expansion.- Period of Economic Growth
- Class Slides 43 44
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Arrival of Television in Québec
American culture was quickly spreading through movies, radios, and TV. Families would sit together to watch shows about freedom and adventure. People had more money to spend because of better jobs and higher wages. And because they were exposed to U.S. ads, and had this extra money, it led to more buying of American products.- Societal Change (American Cultural Influence) - (Class Slide 17)
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Introduction of Provincial Income Tax
In 1954, Québec introduced its own provincial income tax, giving the province more financial independence from the federal government. This move allowed Québec to generate its own revenue for public services and infrastructure. It was a key step towards autonomy, receiving more control over ithe budget and economy.- Provincial Autonomy For Duplessis Government
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Election of Jean Lesage’s Liberal Government
Quebec faced challenges under Duplessis’s leadership. Jean Lesage and his Liberal Party campaigned for modernization and reform. Following their victory, the government launched the Quiet Revolution, focusing on changes in education, healthcare, and the economy. This shift reduced church influence and set the stage for Quebec’s growth and greater autonomy.- Class Slides 28 30
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Creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs
In 1961, Québec created the Department of Cultural Affairs to protect and promote the French language and Québecois culture. The department focused on strengthening the province's identity by building museums, concert halls, and theatres. It also created the "Office de la langue française" to promote the use of French. -French Language Protection
- Class slides, page 34 -
Nationalization of Electricity
In 1962, the Québec government, led by Jean Lesage, took control of electricity by creating Hydro-Québec. This was done to give the province more control over its resources, lower electricity rates, produce more jobs and help the economy grow. It was a big part of the Quiet Revolution, a time when Québec modernized and became more independent.- Class Slide 31
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Creation of the Ministry of Education
In 1963, the Parent Commission wanted major changes (reforms) to improve public education in Quebec. The next year, in 1964, the government established the Ministry of Education. This removed the church’s control and influence over education. The creation of this Ministry of Education was another way that Quebec was further modernizing. -Quiet Revolution; Education -
Bill 16 - Married Women Gain Legal Independence
Married women in Quebec had limited legal rights. Women's rights movements pushed for change through protests and strikes.
Bill 16 allowed married women to manage their own property and sign contracts without their husband’s approval.
This law gave women more independence and was a key step in the fight for gender equality in Quebec.- Class Slide 43
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Expo 67 – Showcasing Québec’s Identity to the World
Under Premier Daniel Johnson, Quebec modernized with reforms, leading to Expo 67. Expo 67 was a huge event in Montreal that took place in 1967. It helped boosted provincial pride, showcased Quebec’s cultural richness, and established its presence on the global stage. -The Modernization Of the State; Consequence Return of Union National
- Slides 36 37 -
Bill 63 – Language Rights Debate
In 1969, Bill 63 was passed in Québec. The bill allowed parents to choose whether their children would be educated in French or English. It was part of the bigger debate over language rights in Québec. While it had the goal of protecting and promoting the importance of French, the bill caused controversy because many people felt it didn't protect and represent the French language enough.- Language Debate
- Class Slide 53
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October Crisis – FLQ Kidnappings & War Measures Act
The October Crisis of 1970 involved the FLQ (Front Liberation du Quebec) kidnapping diplomat James Cross and Quebec Minister Pierre Laporte (who was later murdered). They did this because they wanted to take control of the Quebec government and achieve sovereignty. In response, Prime Minister Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act, suspending civil liberties and allowing arrests without charge. The military was also deployed to restore order and arrest suspected FLQ members.- 1970 October Crisis
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James Bay Hydroelectric Project Announced
In 1971, the Québec government announced the James Bay Hydroelectric Project to meet the growing energy demands of the province. The project resulted in creation of new jobs and a better alternative for electricity. This project did result in the displacement of Indigenous communities to the Arctic. It also led to the 1975 agreement being signed, promising the recognition of Indigenous land rights and compensation for resource development. -Quebec Under Bourassa; Economic Development -
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The Oil Crisis of 1973
In the 1970s, the world faced major oil shortages, causing sharp rise in oil prices. This was due to the Arab-Israeli war. In Québec, the oil crises led to higher prices, unemployment, and slower economic growth. The crises highlighted the province's reliance on imported oil/energy. Pushed the government to invest more in its own energy resources, including hydroelectric power, to reduce dependence on outside sources.- Union Activism; Oil Crisis (1973)
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Bill 22 – French as Québec’s Official Language
In 1974, the Québec government passed Bill 22, making French the official language of the province. The bill was introduced to strengthen the french language in Québec, especially in government, education and business. Bill 22 was a key step in preserving the French identity of Québec, but it also created tensions between the French and English-speaking communities.- Languages (Strength Quebec Identity)
- Class Slides 53
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Adoption of Québec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
In 1975, Québec adopted its Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, which guaranteed equality and protection against discrimination. The Charter aimed to protect the rights of all people, and was a significant step in promoting human rights within Québec.- Quebec Under Bourassa; Human Rights Protections
- Class Slide 47
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James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA)
In 1975, the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA) was signed between James Bay and Northern Quebec, and the Cree and Inuit communities. The agreement was a response to the James Bay Hydroelectric Project and It recognized their land rights and provided compensation for resource development. It helped mark a step toward recognizing Indigenous rights and their rise in self-determination.- Quebec Under Bourassa; Economic Development
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Election of René Lévesque & The Parti Québécois
In 1967, René Lévesque left the Liberal Party and created the Mouvement Souveraineté-Association (MSA) to promote Québec sovereignty. The MSA aimed for greater political control and independence for the province. In 1968, the MSA merged with other separatist groups to form the Parti Québécois (PQ), that focused on achieving Québec’s sovereignty. This marked the beginning of a more organized push for independence.- Impact of The Quiet Revolution (QR) on Quebec
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Economic Downturn
In 1979, Québec faced an economic downturn caused by rising oil prices, overall inflation, and an instable economy. The oil crisis, along with high inflation rates, led to increased costs of living and a rise in unemployment. Many industries in Québec struggled, and economic growth decreased. The downturn emphasized the province’s reliance on imported oil and lead to thinking of ways to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on external resources.- Economic Downturn of the Late 1970’s