A Brutally Quick Overview of French/English Relations during the Cold War

Maurice Duplessis Years (1936-59) La Grande Noirceur("The Great Darkness") Believed the French Needed to keep faith and Language to keep identity He does allow English-American businesses into Quebec (tax breaks to all for luring businesses into the province) Many Quebecers leave farms to work in the cities – however they end up receiving poor pay As a result, people strike often – Duplessis orders the police to arrest protest leaders People of Quebec have a secular vision – this goes against the traditional view

Quiet Revolution (1960) When did it start? Liberal government (led by Lesage – part of Trudeau government) defeats Duplessis What actually happened? Government sets out to modernize the schools – up until now, most never finished high school Result – thousands start going to post secondary schools Introduction of “Special Status” Result – Quebec need more provincial powers to protect the French culture. So, they are given free reign over: Medicare, schooling, pensions, etc… End Result Despite the steps taken by the Liberals, of the top 50 businesses, only 3 were French! Creation of Hydro Quebec (1962) started to make people realize that a French owned company could be profitable.

Charles de Gaulle In a speech to Quebec by the leader of France, Gaulle said: Vive le Quebec libre – Long live Free Quebec This set off the beginning of serious separatist talk

1963 – Fire bomb set off – the exact same quote (Gaulle’s statement) found spray painted on a nearby wall

Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) Late 60s it takes its cause to violence Slogan – “Independence or death” Bomb several areas where English or large Businesses are located The famous quote shot off was during Expo 67 (in Montreal): “100 years of injustice”