Tsé QuébecThe Quiet Revolution in 10 Key Dates
The Quiet Revolution in 10 Key Dates
How can a society transform itself radically in less than a decade? This is the challenge Quebec took on during the 1960s, a period known as the Quiet Revolution. This paradoxical expression perfectly describes this unprecedented upheaval: a profound yet peaceful revolution that would propel Quebec into modernity.
After fifteen years of conservatism under Maurice Duplessis's rule — a period referred to as the "Great Darkness" — Quebec underwent a rapid transformation of its institutions. The Catholic Church, which controlled education and social services, saw its influence crumble. French Canadians, long economically marginalized (earning an average income 35% lower than anglophones in 1961), aspired to become "masters in their own house."
The Context: The End of the "Great Darkness"
Before addressing the key dates, it is essential to understand the soil in which the Quiet Revolution germinated. Quebec in the 1950s was dominated by the government of Maurice Duplessis and his party, the Union Nationale, in power almost continuously since 1944. This period was characterized by marked social conservatism, a close alliance between the State and the Catholic Church, and an economy largely controlled by anglophone interests.
The Catholic Church then held a virtual monopoly on education and social services. As Frère Untel recalled in his pamphlet Les Insolences du Frère Untel (1960), the Quebec education system lagged considerably behind: "still in 1951, more than 70% of the 8,780 schools in Quebec had only one classroom, 60% had no electricity, and 40% had no indoor water or toilets."
The sudden death of Maurice Duplessis on September 7, 1959 paved the way for change.
1. June 22, 1960 — The Election of Jean Lesage and the "Thunder Team"
The first key date of the Quiet Revolution is the election of June 22, 1960, which brought the Quebec Liberal Party led by Jean Lesage to power. With the slogan "It's time for a change!" the Liberals won 51 seats and 51.5% of the popular vote.
Jean Lesage surrounded himself with what would be called the "Thunder Team," composed of reformist ministers such as René Lévesque, Paul Gérin-Lajoie, Georges-Émile Lapalme, and Pierre Laporte. The provincial budget, which was $745 million in 1960-61, would reach $2.1 billion by 1966-67.
2. March 24, 1961 — Creation of the Parent Commission
The Lesage government launched the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Education on March 24, 1961, chaired by Monseigneur Alphonse-Marie Parent. From 1967 to 1972, the Commission produced 15 volumes of studies and 500 recommendations that would radically transform education in Quebec: creation of a Ministry of Education, free and compulsory schooling until age 15, creation of CEGEPs and the Université du Québec.
3. January 1, 1961 — Joining the Hospital Insurance Plan
On January 1, 1961, Quebec joined the federal-provincial hospital insurance program, marking the beginning of state management of social services. This measure gave all Quebecers free access to hospital care and represented a major step toward the welfare state.
4. November 14, 1962 — The Referendum Election and Electricity Nationalization
On November 14, 1962, the Lesage government was re-elected in an election that took on the appearance of a true referendum on electricity nationalization. The slogan "Masters in Our Own House" resonated throughout Quebec.
René Lévesque, Minister of Natural Resources, was the chief architect of this project. The Liberals won the election with 63 seats against 31 for the Union Nationale and 56% of the popular vote.
5. May 1, 1963 — Complete Nationalization of Hydro-Québec
Starting May 1, 1963, Hydro-Québec proceeded to acquire the eleven private electricity companies at a cost of $604 million. This nationalization symbolized the economic emancipation of French Canadians. Hydro-Québec became the spearhead of Quebec's development.
6. May 13, 1964 — Creation of the Ministry of Education
On May 13, 1964, Bill 60 gave birth to the Quebec Ministry of Education, with Paul Gérin-Lajoie becoming its first minister. This creation ended more than a century of ecclesiastical control over education. During the 1960s, secondary school enrollment grew from 205,000 to nearly 600,000 students. In 1967, the first CEGEPs were established.
7. July 15, 1965 — Creation of the Caisse de dépôt et placement
On July 15, 1965, the National Assembly created the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), designed to manage the funds of the new Quebec Pension Plan. Jacques Parizeau played a key role in designing this institution. Today, it manages more than $400 billion.
8. April 24, 1966 — Founding of the Fédération des femmes du Québec
On April 24, 1966, Thérèse Casgrain organized a symposium entitled "Quebec Women: Yesterday and Today," giving birth to the Fédération des femmes du Québec (FFQ). In 1964, Bill 16 had ended the "legal incapacity of married women."
9. April 28, 1967 — Opening of Expo 67
On April 28, 1967, the Montreal World's Fair opened its doors under the theme "Man and His World." During 183 days, more than 50 million visitors discovered the pavilions of 62 countries. On July 24, 1967, President Charles de Gaulle delivered his famous "Vive le Québec libre!" speech.
10. October 14, 1968 — Founding of the Parti Québécois
From October 11 to 14, 1968, more than 2,000 people created the Parti Québécois (PQ). René Lévesque was elected president by acclamation. The PQ would take power on November 15, 1976 with 71 of 110 seats.
The Legacy of the Quiet Revolution
The Quiet Revolution profoundly transformed Quebec in less than a decade. Economically, the nationalization of electricity and the creation of the Caisse de dépôt gave francophone Quebecers unprecedented economic leverage. Socially, the creation of the Ministry of Education and the democratization of education allowed generations of Quebecers to access higher education.