Essay On Quebec History

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Recommended: Quebec separatist movement

Anthony Cheung
Ms. Chung
CHC2D7
April 25, 2014

CPT: Historical Investigation Outline

Focus Question: Why has Quebec twice voted “non” to separation?
Part A – Plan of the Investigation
• Quebec has been shaped by many political disputes throughout its history. Many of these were fought for independence.
• The Quebecois have felt like they needed change. Their traditions were slowly diminishing as a part of Canada.
• As a result, two referendums occurred (1980 and 1995). Both were unsuccessful but were close.
• It is revealed why Quebec did not eventually become sovereign through the perspectives of politicians like Jacques Parizeau, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, and Daniel Turp. Other opinions from credible historians and authors such as Robert Young and Charles Doran. All of the sources provide different opinion and view from both sides of the story.
• It is essential to acknowledge why Quebec wanted to separate from the rest of Canada twice and how Canada survived a close call to prevent a possible referendum in the near future.
Part B – Summary of Evidence
• As a result of the Canadian Confederation of 1867, Quebec had become a part of Canada. Over the next century, Canada had expanded to add six more provinces. However, only Quebec remained to have a French-speaking majority.
• In 1960, Jean Lesage and the Liberals won Quebec’s provincial election. Their slogan was “It’s time for change.” Lesage greatly improved political and education systems. He also created more business, improving Quebec’s economy. During this time, Quebec nationalism was greater than ever.
• During the 1960s, a group of terrorists called the Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) wanted Quebec to separate from Canada. Unlike Lesage creating peaceful change throug...

... middle of paper ...

...ises Jean Chretien, the prime minister at the time made. Chretien promised to amend the constitution, which at the time did not include Quebec’s approval.
• The federal government also convinced Quebec that many economic and legal obstacles would occur if Quebec were to separate.
• The federal government also promised sponsorships on hunting, fishing, and many other recreational activities, which lead to the eventual funding of Quebec’s athletes.

Part E – Conclusion
• Quebec was unable to separate mainly through the votes of the Quebecois along with the many consequential changes and the valuable promises made by the federal government.
• Is vital to understand to prevent another opportunity for Quebec to become sovereign.
• Quebec receives too much funding from Canada through sponsorships and the Clarity Act.
Part F – Sources and Word Limit
Word count of outline

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