History of Quebec For Dummies

Explore the conflicts, culture, ideas, politics, and social changes that have shaped Quebec Trace the unique history of the French-Canadian heartland as it happened Appreciate Quebec's rich culture Your personal tour guide to the history of Quebec! From rip-roaring rebellions and conquests to political and economic turbulence, Quebec has seen it all and much more! If you've ever wanted to explore the important events of Canada's most illustrious province, then this fun and informative guide is for you. Brimming with facts, History of Quebec For Dummies takes you on a lively tour of Quebec's past and present, uncovers the fascinating story behind the aboriginal peoples of Quebec, treks through the early years of European explorations, and brings to life the cast of characters, cultures, and traditions that helped shape modern Quebec. With the help of History of Quebec For Dummies , you can finally get to grips with all the thrilling facts you may have missed in history class! Get the lowdown on Quebec's first inhabitants — discover the indigenous tribes that populated Quebec a whopping 12,000 years before the arrival of the Europeans Track the early years of French settlement — find out how Quebec was first discovered in the race for the New World and meet the major players that made it happen Explore the birth of Canada's largest province — understand how and why the colony of New France was transformed into Quebec as we know it today Get familiar with conflicts in Quebec's past — explore the roots of the independence movement and the issue of sovereignty Delve into modern Quebec — take a closer look at the political and economic highs and lows of recent decades Open the book and find: Turning points in Quebec history, past and present The effect of European colonization on Quebec politics and culture Insight into the relationship between French- and English-speaking Canada How Quebec became a beacon of French language and culture in North America The impact of world events on Quebec Ten iconic Quebec figures, symbols, and landmarks

Foreword  xiii Introduction  1 Part I: New France (1524–1754)  7 Chapter 1: Looking for China — and Finding Quebec! (1524–1610) 9 Chapter 2: Founding a Colony (1611–1660) 25 Chapter 3: Exploring a Continent (1661–1701) 41 Chapter 4: A French Province (1701–1754) 55 Part II: Conquered but Still Alive (1754–1867)  71 Chapter 5: The Coming of the English (1754–1763) 73 Chapter 6: The American Temptation (1763–1790) 85 Chapter 7: The Birth of Lower Canada and the Parti Canadien (1791–1822) 97 Chapter 8: From the Repression of the Patriotes to the Act of Union (1823–1840) 111 Chapter 9: Responsible Government and Religious Awakening (1840–1860) 125 Chapter 10: Confederation (1860–1867) 137 Part III: Survival (1867–1939)  149 Chapter 11: “Riel, Our Brother, Is Dead” (1867–1896) 151 Chapter 12: Conscription (1897–1928) 163 Chapter 13: The Depression (1929–1938) 175 Part IV: The Quiet Reconquest (1939–1967)  189 Chapter 14: War (1939–1944) 191 Chapter 15: Le Chef (1944–1959) 203 Chapter 16: The “Quiet Revolution” (1959–1962) 217 Chapter 17: The Reforms Continue (1963–1967) 231 Part V: Province or Country? (1967 to Today)  247 Chapter 18: Revolt (1967–1972) 249 Chapter 19: The Opening of James Bay and the Election of the Parti Québécois (1973–1979) 263 Chapter 20: Federalism: A Risk Worth Taking (1980–1987) 279 Chapter 21: Almost a Country (1987–1995) 295 Chapter 22: Balanced Budget and Reasonable Accommodation (1996–2012) 311 Part VI: The Part of Tens  327 Chapter 23: Ten Mythical Personalities 329 Chapter 24: Ten Quebec Symbols 337 Chapter 25: Ten Quebec Landmarks 345 Index  353

Éric Bédard received his PhD from McGill University, and has a degree in international affairs from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris. A professor at the University of Quebec, he is the author of Les Réformistes , for which he won the Clio-Quebec award from the Canadian Historical Association.