Chapter 3

Overview

The course covers the history of Quebec from the end of World War II to 1980, highlighting major social, political, and economic transformations, including the Quiet Revolution and the beginnings of the sovereigntist movement.

Maurice Duplessis and the Union Nationale (1945-1960)

• Maurice Duplessis led Quebec with the Union Nationale, valuing traditions, the Catholic religion, and rural development.
• He gave the Church control over education and health care, funded by taxes.
• The baby boom caused a surplus of children in schools and orphanages run by the Church.
• Duplessis firmly controlled unions, banned strikes and gatherings (Padlock Law), and repressed strikers.
• Quebec's natural resources were exported to the United States, favoring the growth of the middle class.

Cold War and Ideological Struggle

• The Cold War opposed American capitalism and Soviet communism without direct armed conflict.
• Duplessis equated unionism with communism and repressed it.

Desire for Change and Quiet Revolution (1960-1966)

• The Refus global manifesto (1948) criticized stagnation and called for a social revolution.
• After Duplessis's death, Jean Lesage and the Liberals modernized the state: creation of ministries, free and coeducational schools, health system reform.
• Nationalization of electricity (Hydro-Québec) and promotion of the French language by the Office québécois de la langue française.
• The state took charge of social welfare (welfare state).

Urbanization and New Challenges

• Baby boom, European immigration, and suburban growth accelerated urban expansion.
• Construction of infrastructure, CEGEPs, and universities.

Nationalist Movements and Sovereigntism (1967-1980)

• Expo 67 symbolized Quebec's modernization; emergence of a new nationalism.
• Creation of the Parti Québécois, first CEGEPs, strengthening of Quebec identity.
• October Crisis 1970: FLQ bombings, military intervention (War Measures Act).
• Law 22 of 1974 made French the official language.
• René Lévesque and the Parti Québécois adopted Law 101 (Charter of the French Language) in 1977.
• Regulated working conditions; sovereignty referendum held in 1980.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Baby boom — sharp increase in births after World War II
• Quiet Revolution — period of rapid reforms and modernization of the Quebec state (1960s)
• Welfare state — state that takes charge of the social welfare of its population
• Padlock Law — law banning unions and closing their premises
• October Crisis — military intervention in Quebec following FLQ terrorist actions
• Law 101 — Charter that protects and promotes the French language in Quebec

Action Items / Next Steps

• Reread chapter 3 on the Quiet Revolution and the rise of nationalism.
• Review the timeline of major events (1945-1980).