Un Pays Divisé

Quebec Nationalism Ms. Campbell

Does Terrorism Exist in Canada?

What is Terrorism?

Night of March 7, 1963• 3 Canadian army

buildings in Montréal bombed with Molotov cocktails

• Mysterious letters “FLQ” painted on walls

What is a Molotov Cocktail?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLW7pYEhiGU

The Front de liberation du Québec is a revolutionary movement of volunteers

ready to die for the political and economic independence of Quebec. The suicide-commandos of the FLQ have as their principal mission the

complete destruction, by systematic sabotage of: all colonial [federal]

symbols and institutions, in particular the RCMP and the armed forces; … all

commercial establishments and enterprises which practise

discrimination against Quebeckers, which do not use French as the first language, which advertises in the

colonial language [English]; [and] all plants and factories which discriminate

against French-speaking workers. … INDEPENDENCE OR DEATH.

The Roots of Québec Nationalism: The Duplessis Era (1936-39, 1944-59)

• Premier Maurice Duplessis & the Union Nationale• Quebec as a distinct nation rather

than just another province• Introduction of the fleur-de-lis flag• Catholic church defended Quebec

culture “farm, faith, family”

• Bribery and corruption rampant• Businesses gave “kickbacks” in

return for jobs and licences

• Union activity discouraged or banned

La Révolution Tranquille: The Quiet Revolution

• Duplessis passed away in 1960

• Jean Lesage (Liberal) came to power• “Time for a Change”

• Government took control of the economy, politics, education, & culture• Jobs awarded based on merit• Wages and pensions raised• Unions allowed• More science and technology in schools• Quebeckers encouraged to think for themselves!

• Influence of the Catholic Church declined

1962 Election

“Masters in our own House”

Strengthen Economic Control

Nationalization of Hydro

Hydro-Quebec created

Birth of Separatism• Quebeckers became proud but

felt they were poorly treated by English-Canadians• Underrepresented in government• No French schools/hospitals in

other parts of Canada• French language not as respected

• Separation from Canada became a solution for some• “le Québec libre” “A Free

Quebec”

Birth of Separatism (cont’d)

• Most Quebec Nationalists disapproved of the violence of the FLQ but there was much discontent throughout Quebec

• 1967 Cabinet Minister René Lévesque left the Liberals and formed the Parti Québécois• Wanted a “peaceful divorce” from Canada

Ottawa’s Response• Canadian Prime Minister = Lester Pearson

• The Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism (“The Bi and Bi Commission”)• Recommended Canada become bilingual

• 1964 Flag Debate• Pearson wanted a specifically Canadian flag• The Flag Debate increased tensions in Canada• The Maple Leaf was flow for the first time February 15,

1965

Flag AssignmentIt is 1964 and you are have been tasked with creating a new flag for an independent and

united Canada. What designs would you include? What colours? Why?

Your assignment is to design, draw, and colour your idea for a new Canadian flag that

will unite English and French speaking Canada. Please include a paragraph

explanation for your choices on the back of the page.