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The Quiet Revolution: A Period Of Change In Quebec's Politics And Society

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The Quiet Revolution, or Révolution tranquille, was a period of change in Quebec's politics, society, and culture. With the election of the Quebec Liberal Party in 1960, the Quiet Revolution lasted until the 1970s. Jean Lesage, the premier at the time, desired to be a leading influence for Quebec in Canada and to be "the masters of their own home," or "Maître chez nous," their slogan. The Quiet Revolution's mark was made by sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the Quebec government and society after roughly 15 years of conservatism under Maurice Duplessis (1944–59). Lesage's four main goals were to increase the level of schooling, advance economic development, distribute the increased income evenly, and boost the relative position of the Francophone …show more content…

Lesage's objectives were to raise and modernize the standard of education, boost the relative position of the Francophone economy, evenly distribute the increased income, and make critical improvements to the healthcare systems. These alterations would have historical significance for Quebec’s future. The state's involvement in the province's economic, social, and cultural life increased dramatically, and government institutions developed quickly, unleashing a force that would have far-reaching efforts. Alphonse-Marie Parent served as the chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Education, which the government had established along with new educational legislation. The 1964 Parent Report addressed the idea that the government should manage education and secularize from the control of the church, which was groundbreaking since schools had been under the Catholic Church's control for hundreds of years. The Parent Report contributed to an inclusive, democratic, and modern education system. Lesage wanted to improve Quebec's economy so Quebec's standard of living could catch up to the "English patriots." The nationalization of private electricity companies in 1962 was unorthodox yet critical for Lesage, who advocated for Francophone control of Hydro-Québec and became a significant symbol of the Quiet Revolution and a substantial business in Quebec. The provincial government of Quebec decided to give French speakers increased economic clout to improve living conditions. Quebecers held better jobs and thus better the economic situation. The Quiet Revolution prompted Lester B. Pearson to establish the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. It suggested making English and French the official languages of Canada in 1969, a colossal victory for Lesage and his allies, although they were no longer in power. The Lesage

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