Section 2 - The Duplessis Era Flashcards
Who was the longest serving Premier in Quebec?
Maurice Duplessis
What years was Duplessis in power?
1936-1939 and 1944-1959
What was the Duplessis era referred to as?
The Great Darkness or Laissez Faire
What were the four things Duplessis believed in?
- Economic Liberalism 2. Clericalism 3. Social Conservatism 4. Strong provincial autonomy of Quebec
Define “economic liberalism” in the Duplessis era
Private companies should play the leading role in economic development and not the government
What was believed under “Strong provincial autonomy of Quebec” (2)
- federal gov should have little control over Quebec’s affairs
- Quebec should have more power
What was done to get more provincial autonomy? (2)
- provincial income tax reintroduced 2. introduced Quebec’s flag in 1948
Define “Social Conservatism”
Promoted traditional values and Catholicism. Church should have lots of control over society
Define “clericalism”
The gov favoured a close relationship between it and the Church (opposite is secularism)
Duplessis believed that what two things should not be his responsibility? Whose responsibility did it become?
Education and health; the Church
What did Duplessis provide instead of just taking control over the education and health?
Subsidies (money)
Did Duplessis’ subsidies work or not? Explain
No, 60% of schools had no electricity and 40% had no washrooms
Did people have free health care?
No
What happened due to people opposing Duplessis? What year?
1949; Thetford Mines strike
Two things that occurred during the strike? Why?
- Strike was declared illegal 2. Strikers were roughed up by police
Duplessis needed workers to keep working in order to get royalties
