Quebec Nationalism

1960s – 1970s

HOW DISTINCT IS QUEBEC FROM THE REST OF CANADA?

In what ways?

Should our province be treated differently?

Basics…• 60s Nationalism goes further than Duplessis’ nationalism

of the 1950s.– Celebrate French Canadian, Quebecois– Want recognition of Quebec’s “distinct identity” in Canada– Want special status for the province

• Some begin to recommend separation from Canada• “French Canadian” becomes “Quebecois” (…why?)

Do *YOU* take advantage of bilingual culture here in

Quebec? How?

QUICK! Name 2 French bands or albums and 2 French

movies that came out in the last 5 years!

Language and Culture!

• English was the language of business and much popular culture in Quebec

Language and Culture!

• Many Quebecois artists, singers, & writers reconnected to French language and culture.

• Quebec Government promoted arts & culture

• Office de la Langue Francais founded in 1961.

Rene Levesque and the Parti Quebecois

• Rene Levesque leaves Liberals 1967

• Joins the Parti Quebecois (PQ), founded in 1968– Sovereigntist group… – Nationalist– Pro-independence.

• Movement grows… more change and revolution ahead!

Radical Nationalism

The Front de Liberation de Quebec (FLQ)

• Founded 1963• Armed struggle against

English Power• Wanted complete

independence from Canada.

• Released Manifesto• Detonated numerous

bombs in English areas… 6 killed, many more injured… but their message went out.

The October Crisis

• October 1970 – FLQ kidnap diplomats James Cross and Pierre Laporte… demand independence.

• Laporte is killed.• Federal Government (under

Pierre Elliott Trudeau) passes the War Measures Act:– Searches without warrants– Arrests– Army in the streets

October Crisis