Quebec vs. Canada

                In Canada, the time period post WWII allowed this country to boom economically and independently. This was also the time where issues from the past began to arouse. There was a heavy tension between those who spoke French and those who spoke English. This almost led to a separation of a territory and a loss of the French language in Canada.

                During WWI when war manuals were being issued out to those enlisted, those who spoke French noticed that the manuals were only written in English. Canada was split with half of its population speaking English and the other half speaking French. The majority of Canada spoke English though, so the war manuals were written in that language. This aggravated the French, but there was nothing they could do during this time since there was a war to be fought.

In 1960, Quebec, the predominant region where most French speakers lived, started a “quiet revolution” against all of Canada. This led to a surge in Quebec nationalism and a desire to break free from Canada. Before this “quiet revolution,” Quebec got most of its resources from outside sources. They started building more oil fields and hydro efficient factories to try to manage on their own.

In 1970, a militant separatist group in Quebec called FLQ, kidnapped a British diplomat and murders Quebec cabinet minister. This was also known as the October Crisis. This militant group was rising up against the government and caused fear among Canadians. They feared a terrorist attack might happen.

Then, in 1976, the “Parti Quebecois” under Rene Levesque wins Quebec provincial election. Levesque adopted the idea that the French language should be the only and official language of Quebec. His idea won the election, now making French the official language of that province. Levesque wanted to keep going so he then made the idea of separating from Canada. In 1980, however, this idea was turned down. Finally, in 1981, Quebec banned all public signs that were written in English. 

"Quiet Revolution." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 27 May 2013. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiet_Revolution>.

"Parti Quebecois (political Party, Canada)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/444934/Parti-Quebecois>.

"20th Century Canadian History." Your Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://yourcanada.ca/history/20th-century-canadian-history/>.

News, CBC. "Speaking Out: Quebec's Debate over Language Laws." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 22 Oct. 2009. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/10/22/f-quebec-language-laws-bill-101.html>.