A couple of months ago, I asked a fellow exchange student were he was from. "Canada" was his reply and after further questioning he told me that he was from Ottawa in the province of Ontario. A couple of days later, I asked another Canadian student the same question, and she replied "Quebec" in the first place, just mentioning her home province but not the country she was a citizen of; and, as it turned out, she did this intentionally.
How can we explain such a different self-perception of two residents of the same country? Why does it seem that for French-speaking residents of Quebec it is more important to be recognized as Quebecers than as Canadians? The Referendum 1995 has brought Quebec nationalism back in the headlines of the world press. Suddenly, we were aware of the existence of a separatist movements in the middle of a western liberal democracy and people were asking themselves if nationalism was not a product of nineteenth century Europe and if the nation-building process had not already ceased in the west. However, Quebec stands not alone as a minority in a western state seeking independence or more autonomy. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Catalonia are some of the cases that received increased scientific interest in the last couple of years. With those regions in mind, we can say that we have witnessed the emergence of a 'new' nationalism that threatens post-industrialist nation-states that seemed to have finished their process of nation-building a long time ago.
This essay wants to answer the question of what kind of nationalism we can find in Quebec. I will begin with a historical overview, because history is one of the most important features the 'new nationalists' draw upon to legitimate their struggle for more autonomy. I shall then continue with a discussion of the social and economic changes in the province in the post-war years and during the Quiet Revolution. This will be followed by an analysis of the factors that shape and influence the ideology of the contemporary Quebecois independent movement. Then I will try to locate Quebec nationalism on the theoretical scale, using the two concepts of ethnic and civic nationalism. I shall conclude with an outlook on the future relations between Quebec and the federal Canadian state.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Overview
- The post-war period and the Quiet Revolution
- Quebec nationalism: ethnic or civic?
- Future perspectives
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the nature of nationalism in Quebec. It explores the historical context of Quebec nationalism, examining its evolution and the socio-economic factors that have shaped it. The essay also seeks to classify Quebec nationalism within existing theoretical frameworks.
- Historical development of Quebec nationalism
- The impact of socio-economic changes on Quebec nationalism
- The theoretical classification of Quebec nationalism (ethnic vs. civic)
- The role of the Catholic Church in shaping Quebecois identity
- The relationship between Quebec and the Canadian federal state
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section poses the question of why Quebecers often prioritize their Quebecois identity over their Canadian identity. It uses the example of two exchange students to highlight this difference in self-perception. The introduction also briefly discusses the 1995 Quebec referendum and the emergence of "new nationalism" in post-industrial nation-states, setting the stage for a deeper examination of Quebec nationalism.
Historical Overview: This chapter provides a historical overview of Quebec, beginning with the arrival of Jacques Cartier in 1534 and the establishment of New France. It details the conflicts between France and England, culminating in the British conquest of New France in 1760. The chapter explores the significant role of the Catholic Church in shaping Quebecois society and the impact of British rule, including the Quebec Act of 1774 and the Constitutional Act of 1791. It also examines the rebellions of 1837-38 and the subsequent Union Act of 1840, highlighting the tensions between English and French Canadians and the emergence of a conservative, ultramontane Francophone nationalism. Finally, it discusses the Confederation of 1867 and its implications for Quebec.
Keywords
Quebec nationalism, Canadian identity, historical overview, socio-economic factors, ethnic nationalism, civic nationalism, Catholic Church, Confederation, Quiet Revolution, separatism, post-industrial nationalism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a text analyzing Quebec nationalism. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured overview of the work's content and scope.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents lists the following sections: Introduction, Historical Overview, The post-war period and the Quiet Revolution, Quebec nationalism: ethnic or civic?, and Future perspectives.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the analysis?
The main objective is to analyze the nature of Quebec nationalism. Key themes include the historical development of Quebec nationalism, the impact of socio-economic changes, the theoretical classification of Quebec nationalism (ethnic vs. civic), the role of the Catholic Church, and the relationship between Quebec and the Canadian federal state.
What does the introduction cover?
The introduction explores the prioritization of Quebecois identity over Canadian identity among Quebecers, using the example of exchange students. It also briefly discusses the 1995 Quebec referendum and the emergence of "new nationalism" in post-industrial nation-states.
What is covered in the "Historical Overview" chapter?
This chapter provides a historical overview of Quebec, starting from Jacques Cartier's arrival in 1534. It covers the conflicts between France and England, the role of the Catholic Church, the impact of British rule (including the Quebec Act of 1774 and the Constitutional Act of 1791), the rebellions of 1837-38, the Union Act of 1840, and the Confederation of 1867. It highlights the tensions between English and French Canadians and the emergence of Francophone nationalism.
What keywords are associated with this analysis of Quebec Nationalism?
Keywords include: Quebec nationalism, Canadian identity, historical overview, socio-economic factors, ethnic nationalism, civic nationalism, Catholic Church, Confederation, Quiet Revolution, separatism, and post-industrial nationalism.
What type of audience is this preview intended for?
This preview is intended for an academic audience interested in the study of Quebec nationalism, providing a structured and professional overview of the text's content and themes.
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- Magister Artium Steffen Blatt (Author), 2000, Nationalism in Quebec, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/10043
