The Duplessis Era The Quiet Revolution What Do
- Slides: 8
The Duplessis Era & The Quiet Revolution
What Do We Know About Quebec So Far…? ØWhy is there a French population in Canada in the first place? ØHow did Quebec contribute to Canadian Confederation? ØWhat have we learned about Quebec in previous units this year?
The Duplessis Era • • Maurice Duplessis was Premier of Quebec from 1936 -1939 and then from 1944 -1959 A strong Quebec nationalist, believed the province was unique compared to other provinces due to language and culture Believed Quebec should be a separate nation Introduced the modern flag of Quebec that featured the fleur-de-lis
What Made Quebec So Distinct? • • In addition to language & history, Quebec society had many other differences from English Canada The Roman Catholic Church remained very influential -> was in charge of hospitals and schools Church enforced traditional conservative values: “Farm, Faith, and Family” Priests told people to reject English ways; less focus on consumerism
Also, Schools! • • • Schools were run by the Catholic Church Education offered was limited All subjects that students learned had religion mixed into it Only few attended secondary school or university -> those students did get a good education Emphasis was on philosophy, Latin, and arts…not science, engineering, business
Back to Duplessis! • • • Duplessis wanted to keep out foreign cultural influence…. but he did want money from foreign investors (US and Ontario) Quebec could supply cheap labour because unions were banned or condemned for being communists Quebec also had low taxes for businesses
However…Something Else Was Going On… • • • Businesses that donated money or gifts to Duplessis or his political party the Union Nationale tended to get business licenses faster than others People in charge of businesses who donated also found themselves in high paying government positions Rampant corruption plagued Quebec throughout the Duplessis Era
The Quiet Revolution • • • The Duplessis Era came to an end when he died in 1960 His party, the Union Nationale, fell out of favour in Quebec and the Liberal Party took control under Jean Lesage Corruption was cleared out, as contracts and jobs were given based on merit Government took control of schools, hospitals, unions were allowed Curriculum was modernized to include more diversity Hydro-Quebec formed to take control of provincial power supply
