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