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History of Canada – 1867 to Present
Table of Contents
Unit 10 Overview: Quebec Nationalism and the Quiet Revolution
10.1 Origins and Key Figures of the Quiet Revolution
10.2 Social and Political Reforms in Quebec
10.3 The Growth of Quebec Nationalism and Separatism
10.4 Federal-Provincial Relations and Constitutional Debates

The Quiet Revolution transformed Quebec in the 1960s, shifting from conservative Catholic rule to a secular, modernized society. Jean Lesage's Liberal government led sweeping reforms, challenging the legacy of Maurice Duplessis's "Grande Noirceur" era.

This period saw Quebec assert its distinct identity within Canada. The slogan "Maîtres chez nous" embodied rising nationalism, as the province secularized education, modernized institutions, and pursued economic autonomy, setting the stage for future debates on Quebec's place in Canada.

Key Figures

Jean Lesage and the Quiet Revolution

  • Jean Lesage was the Premier of Quebec from 1960 to 1966 and leader of the Quebec Liberal Party
  • Initiated sweeping social and political reforms in Quebec known as the Quiet Revolution
  • Focused on secularizing education and social services, which were previously controlled by the Catholic Church
  • Promoted Quebec nationalism and the idea of Quebec as a distinct society within Canada (maîtres chez nous)
  • Lesage's government created ministries of Cultural Affairs and Federal-Provincial Affairs to promote Quebec's interests

Maurice Duplessis and the Grande Noirceur

  • Maurice Duplessis was the Premier of Quebec from 1936 to 1939 and 1944 to 1959, leading the conservative Union Nationale party
  • His tenure, known as the Grande Noirceur (Great Darkness), was characterized by close ties between the government and the Catholic Church
  • Duplessis was a staunch opponent of labor unions and left-wing ideologies, often using the provincial police to suppress dissent
  • Criticized for his autocratic leadership style and patronage-based politics, which favored rural areas and the business elite
  • Duplessis' death in 1959 and the subsequent election of Jean Lesage marked the beginning of the Quiet Revolution

Political Parties

Union Nationale

  • Conservative political party that governed Quebec for most of the period between 1936 and 1960 under the leadership of Maurice Duplessis
  • Supported traditional values, close ties between the government and the Catholic Church, and a rural-based economy
  • Opposed to labor unions, social welfare programs, and the modernization of Quebec society
  • Lost power to the Quebec Liberal Party in the 1960 provincial election, which marked the beginning of the Quiet Revolution
  • The party eventually dissolved in 1989 after years of declining support

Liberal Party of Quebec

  • Center-left political party that has played a significant role in Quebec politics since the late 19th century
  • Under the leadership of Jean Lesage, the party initiated the Quiet Revolution in the 1960s, implementing sweeping social and political reforms
  • Focused on secularizing education and social services, promoting Quebec nationalism, and modernizing the province's economy and institutions
  • Has alternated in power with the Parti Québécois since the 1970s, with notable leaders including Robert Bourassa and Philippe Couillard
  • Supports federalism and Quebec's place within Canada, in contrast to the separatist Parti Québécois

Societal Changes

Secularization and the Decline of Church Influence

  • The Quiet Revolution saw a rapid decline in the influence of the Catholic Church in Quebec society and politics
  • Education and social services, previously controlled by the Church, were secularized and brought under the control of the provincial government
  • The role of the clergy in public life diminished, and church attendance rates declined sharply
  • Secularization was a key aspect of the broader modernization of Quebec society during the 1960s
  • This shift led to a more pluralistic and diverse society, with increased individual freedoms and reduced social conservatism

Modernization of Quebec Society and Institutions

  • The Quiet Revolution brought about significant modernization of Quebec's economy, education system, and social institutions
  • The provincial government invested heavily in infrastructure projects (hydroelectric dams) and the development of a welfare state
  • The education system was reformed to increase accessibility and align with the needs of a modern economy, including the creation of the CEGEP system
  • Modernization efforts aimed to reduce Quebec's economic disparities with the rest of Canada and assert the province's distinct identity
  • These changes laid the foundation for Quebec's emergence as a major economic and political force within Canada

Maîtres chez nous and the Rise of Quebec Nationalism

  • "Maîtres chez nous" (masters in our own house) became a rallying cry for Quebec nationalism during the Quiet Revolution
  • This concept emphasized the need for Quebecers to take control of their own economic, political, and social destiny
  • The Lesage government promoted Quebec nationalism through initiatives such as the nationalization of hydroelectric companies and the creation of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
  • The rise of Quebec nationalism led to increased demands for greater autonomy within Canada and the growth of the Quebec separatist movement
  • The Quiet Revolution and the concept of "maîtres chez nous" had a lasting impact on Quebec's political landscape and its relationship with the rest of Canada

Key Terms to Review (24)

Quiet Revolution: The Quiet Revolution was a period of profound social, political, and economic change in Quebec during the 1960s, characterized by the modernization of Quebec society and the assertion of Quebec nationalism. It marked a shift from traditional conservatism to progressive policies, influencing various aspects of Quebec’s governance and cultural identity.
Parti québécois: The parti québécois is a political party in Quebec, Canada, founded in 1968, which advocates for Quebec's independence and the promotion of Quebec nationalism. The party emerged during a transformative period known as the Quiet Revolution, focusing on the cultural, social, and economic rights of Francophones in Quebec. Its rise is closely tied to the growing sentiment for separatism and has played a pivotal role in shaping Quebec's political landscape and cultural identity.
Nationalization of hydroelectricity: The nationalization of hydroelectricity refers to the process by which the government took control of hydroelectric power resources and infrastructure, aiming to manage them for the public good. This shift was a key aspect of the economic and social reforms during a transformative period, where the goal was to increase state involvement in the economy, improve public services, and promote economic development in the region.
René Lévesque: René Lévesque was a prominent Quebec politician and the founder of the Parti Québécois, who played a crucial role in advocating for Quebec sovereignty and the Quiet Revolution. He is best known for his push for social and economic reform in Quebec, which helped spur a rise in Quebec nationalism and separatism during the 1960s and 1970s.
Parti libéral du québec: The Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) is a political party in Quebec that has played a significant role in the province's political landscape since its founding in 1867. It emerged as a response to the need for a party that represented the interests of French-speaking Canadians while promoting liberal economic policies and social progress. The party became particularly influential during the Quiet Revolution, advocating for modernization and reform within Quebec society.
Jean Lesage: Jean Lesage was a prominent Canadian politician and Premier of Quebec from 1960 to 1966, known for his leadership during the Quiet Revolution, a period marked by significant social, political, and economic transformation in Quebec. He is widely recognized for advocating secularization, expanding the welfare state, and promoting Quebec nationalism, fundamentally reshaping Quebec's identity and governance.
October Crisis: The October Crisis refers to a significant political and social event in Canada during October 1970, marked by the kidnapping of government officials by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a radical separatist group. This crisis escalated tensions between French and English Canadians and led to the implementation of the War Measures Act, showcasing the government's response to perceived terrorism and threats to national security.
Social welfare policies: Social welfare policies are government actions designed to provide assistance and support to individuals and families in need, promoting social well-being and reducing poverty. These policies often encompass a wide range of programs, including healthcare, education, housing, and financial assistance, aimed at ensuring a basic standard of living for all citizens. In the context of societal changes, these policies play a crucial role in addressing inequality and fostering social justice.
Cegep: Cegep, or Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel, refers to a network of publicly funded colleges in Quebec that provide pre-university and technical education. Established in the 1960s during the Quiet Revolution, cegeps emerged as a response to the need for an educated workforce and aimed to promote social mobility and cultural identity within Quebec society.
Caisse de dépôt et placement du québec: The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) is a financial institution that manages public pension and insurance funds in Quebec. Established in 1965 during the Quiet Revolution, it aims to promote economic development and ensure the long-term financial security of its depositors. This institution played a crucial role in reshaping Quebec's economy and fostering public investment in various sectors, which directly connects to the social and political reforms that were underway at that time.
Liberal Party of Quebec: The Liberal Party of Quebec is a political party that was established in 1867, primarily to represent the interests of the English-speaking population and to promote liberal policies in the province. It played a significant role during the Quiet Revolution, advocating for modernization and social reforms while navigating the complexities of Quebec nationalism and the demands of its predominantly French-speaking electorate.
Grande noirceur: Grande noirceur, or 'Great Darkness,' refers to a period in Quebec's history during the late 1940s and 1950s characterized by conservative governance, a strong influence of the Catholic Church, and social stagnation. This era is marked by the dominance of Maurice Duplessis and his Union Nationale party, which resisted modern reforms and maintained traditional values, leading to significant social and economic challenges for the province.
Union Nationale: Union Nationale was a conservative political party in Quebec, formed in 1935, that aimed to unify various factions under a nationalist platform. It played a crucial role in Quebec politics, especially during the mid-20th century, representing traditional values and seeking to promote provincial autonomy within Canada. The party gained prominence as it tapped into growing sentiments of nationalism and resistance to federal authority, particularly during the era leading up to the Quiet Revolution.
La conquête de l’amérique: La conquête de l’amérique refers to the period of European exploration and colonization in the Americas, primarily by Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English powers from the late 15th century onwards. This term encapsulates the profound social, economic, and cultural changes brought about by the arrival of Europeans in the New World, significantly impacting Indigenous populations and leading to the establishment of colonial empires. The consequences of this conquest shaped the political landscape of North America and laid the groundwork for future national identities, particularly in Canada.
éducation populaire: Éducation populaire refers to a movement aimed at promoting education for all, emphasizing the importance of informal and community-based learning. This concept is closely linked to social transformation and the empowerment of marginalized groups, aligning with the broader goals of social justice and equality.
Maurice Duplessis: Maurice Duplessis was a Canadian politician who served as the Premier of Quebec from 1936 to 1939 and again from 1944 until his death in 1959. His tenure is marked by a focus on traditionalism and conservative values, which played a significant role in shaping the socio-political landscape of Quebec leading up to the Quiet Revolution.
Sovereignty-association: Sovereignty-association is a political concept that proposes a relationship where a province, particularly Quebec, would have full control over its internal affairs while maintaining an association with Canada for certain shared responsibilities, such as defense and foreign policy. This idea emerged prominently during the Quiet Revolution and was closely linked to the growing sentiment of Quebec nationalism and the desire for greater autonomy within Canada.
Feminism in Quebec: Feminism in Quebec refers to the social and political movement advocating for women's rights and gender equality within the province. It emerged prominently during the 1960s, particularly during the Quiet Revolution, as women began to challenge traditional roles and advocate for their rights in areas such as education, employment, and reproductive health. This movement has significantly shaped Quebec's society and politics, leading to important reforms and the establishment of various women's organizations.
Quebec nationalism: Quebec nationalism is a political and cultural movement advocating for the interests and identity of the Quebec province, emphasizing its unique French-speaking heritage and distinct culture within Canada. This movement gained momentum during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly during the Quiet Revolution, as Quebecois sought greater autonomy, recognition of their language, and ultimately, independence from Canada.
Bill 101: Bill 101, also known as the Charter of the French Language, is a law enacted in Quebec in 1977 to promote the use of French as the official language of the province. This legislation was a significant response to the growing concerns about the preservation of the French language and culture in Quebec, especially during a time of heightened nationalism. Bill 101 aimed to ensure that French became the primary language of government, education, and commerce, which played a key role in shaping Quebec's identity and its political landscape.
Les idées au pouvoir: Les idées au pouvoir, or 'ideas in power', refers to a pivotal phrase that encapsulates the transformative ideologies and aspirations for social and political change during the Quiet Revolution in Quebec. This movement marked a significant shift in Quebec society as people sought to redefine their identity, emphasizing the need for social justice, economic reform, and the modernization of Quebec's institutions. The slogan underscored the belief that new ideas and progressive thought could reshape governance and societal norms, leading to an empowered Quebecois identity.
Francophone identity: Francophone identity refers to the cultural, social, and linguistic characteristics shared by French-speaking individuals, particularly those in regions where French is a primary language. This identity is closely linked to the history, values, and experiences of francophone communities, especially in Canada, where it represents a significant part of the national mosaic. The evolution of francophone identity has been influenced by various factors, including historical events, political developments, and cultural expressions, particularly during transformative periods like the Quiet Revolution.
Secularization: Secularization is the process by which religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance. In the context of Quebec during the Quiet Revolution, secularization represented a shift away from the traditional dominance of the Catholic Church in social and political life, leading to the rise of a more secular state and society. This transformation facilitated progressive social reforms and laid the groundwork for new political ideologies that emphasized individual rights and secular governance.
Bill 22: Bill 22, officially known as the 'Official Languages Act', was a piece of legislation enacted in Quebec in 1974 that aimed to reinforce the use of French in the province. This law established French as the official language of Quebec's government and required that French be the predominant language used in all areas of public life, impacting education, business, and government services. The introduction of Bill 22 was a significant moment during a period of heightened nationalism and cultural change in Quebec.