About The Quite Revolution

The Quite Revolution or Révolution tranquille as its known in Québec was an important and very significant period in Québec’s history, spanning from 1960 to 1970, The Quite Revolution marked a major departure from Québec’s traditional norms bringing in an era of social, political and economic reforms led by the Québec Liberal Party and their leader Jean Lesage who Québec away from the influence of the Catholic Church and brought an end to the conservative rule of the Union Nationale Party which had dominated Québec’s political scene from 1944-1960. Lesage’s reforms would transform Québec’s society from a conservative one dominated by the Church to the secular nationalist identity we associate with Québec today.

At the heart of the Quite Revolution was the goal of reclaiming Québec’s right to self control of both its resources and its culture as the revolution was embodied with the slogan “Maîtres chez nous” translating into “Masters in our own house” symbolizing the goal of the movement to build a more independent Québec built on the ideas of the French culture and language and moving away from the English minorities influence in Québec’s affairs. Some of the most notable reforms include nationalizing of Hydro-Québec in an effort to have more economic independence, establishing a provincial healthcare system and creating the ministry of Cultural Affairs in order to bring about the aforementioned idea of rebuilding Québec to represent and protect the French majority’s culture and language in the English dominated Canada. These changes gave birth to the modern Québec we know today which has a strong emphasize on nationalism and social welfare as-well as creating its reputation of standing out and being different to the rest of Canada provinces.

This exhibit aims to showcase the spirit of the Quite Revolution through the showcase of political posters, photographs and newspaper articles. Visitors can see how the Quite Revolution reshaped Québec’s identity and positioned it as a distinct society within the nation of Canada.

Bibliography:

1. ”Quiet Revolution." The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/quiet-revolution.

2. ”Episode Content: The Quiet Revolution." CBC History. https://www.cbc.ca/history/EPISCONTENTSE1EP16CH1PA1LE.html