During the 1960‟s and early 1970‟s, a rise in Quebec nationalism led to an independence movement through violent means. Although violence was characteristic of a relatively small group of individuals compared with the moderately supportive general public, the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) was successful in eliciting public support for its cause. However, due to a series of responses by the Quebec provincial government and Canadian federal government, public support quickly declined following the implementation of the War Measures Act in October 1970. Although a risky decision on the part of the federal government, the War Measures Act successfully halted violent terrorist tactics in the name of Quebec sovereignty. This furthermore produced a foundation for Quebec separatists, moderates and FLQ members alike, to vote on independence through legitimate means.
The growth and effectiveness of domestic political terrorism can be analyzed through theoretical frameworks. Furthermore, the actions of target groups to combat terrorist objectives are also important in understanding the ability of whether a terrorist organization will succeed or not. The need to understand the cause of terrorism also aids in understanding whether it can be successfully eliminated. Through the lens of Nicholas O. Berry‟s (1987) Theories on the efficacy of terrorism, this paper examines the Quebec separatist movement and the rise and fall of the Front de Libération du Québec terrorist group.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THEORIES ON THE EFFICACY OF TERRORISM
3. QUEBEC SEPARATISM AND THE RISE OF THE FLQ
4. THE OCTOBER CRISIS
5. THE WAR MEASURES ACT
6. AFTERMATH AND CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the rise and fall of the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) through the theoretical framework of Nicholas O. Berry, analyzing how the Canadian government's responses influenced the movement's efficacy and ultimate decline.
- The theoretical application of Berry's "theories on the efficacy of terrorism."
- The historical context of Quebec nationalism and the emergence of the FLQ.
- The impact of government counterterrorism measures, specifically the War Measures Act.
- The shift in public perception following the October Crisis and the assassination of Pierre Laporte.
- The transition of the separatist movement from violent insurgency to political participation.
Excerpt from the Book
THE OCTOBER CRISIS
From 1969 through to the 1970 October Crisis, Maloney (2000) claims that there were strong indicators that a revolutionary movement was well underway as FLQ attacks were becoming larger and more sophisticated. For example, instead of bombing mailboxes, English-owned businesses, and robbing banks, the FLQ began bombing larger establishments such as the Montreal Stock Exchange and National Defense Headquarters in Ottawa among many others. As Fournier (as cited in Maloney, 2000) also indicates, by this point the FLQ were receiving military and assassination training from abroad. This undoubtedly led to a heightened sense of urgency in the Trudeau Government to adjust its tactics in dealing with the FLQ.
Furthermore, the deflated power of the Quebec government by its inability to successfully manage the rise of the FLQ throughout the 1960's, and its failed repression of FLQ literature throughout the moderate public, produced a heightened sense of Quebec nationalism that undoubtedly contributed to the degree of confidence that the FLQ later assumed. As will be discussed, the FLQ was therefore successful in provoking the reactions of the Quebec government that it was attempting to produce.
On October 5, 1970, the FLQ kidnapped British Trade Commissioner James Cross and demanded that the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) allow its political manifesto to be broadcasted, that the provincial government release a number of FLQ members in police custody, and that the FLQ kidnappers be allowed safe travel to Cuba. Although the government did not release detained FLQ members initially, the manifesto was broadcasted in French and English throughout Quebec on October 8. As an independent entity, the CBC broadcasted the manifesto, however, the manifesto's unexpected positive resonation among Quebecers led to considerable power deflation within the Quebec government. Consequently, a rapid surge of support by the moderate public for the FLQ's battle against the exploitation of Quebec's working class by French and English 'bourgeoisie' followed.
Chapter Summary
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the FLQ's emergence, the rise of Quebec nationalism, and the paper's intent to apply theoretical frameworks to the Canadian separatist movement.
2. THEORIES ON THE EFFICACY OF TERRORISM: Defines terrorism according to Nicholas O. Berry and outlines five key responses—overreaction, power deflation, failed repression of moderates, appeasement, and massive intimidation—that determine a terrorist group's success.
3. QUEBEC SEPARATISM AND THE RISE OF THE FLQ: Traces the historical growth of Quebec nationalism and the initial inability of local law enforcement to contain FLQ activities during the 1960s.
4. THE OCTOBER CRISIS: Details the escalation of FLQ tactics, including high-profile kidnappings, and the resulting pressure on both provincial and federal governments.
5. THE WAR MEASURES ACT: Evaluates the implementation of the War Measures Act as a government response and the subsequent turning point in public support following the assassination of Pierre Laporte.
6. AFTERMATH AND CONCLUSION: Assesses the long-term resolution of the October Crisis and the eventual shift of the separatist movement toward peaceful, political methods.
Keywords
Front de Libération du Québec, FLQ, October Crisis, War Measures Act, Quebec nationalism, Nicholas O. Berry, terrorism efficacy, Pierre Trudeau, political violence, counterterrorism, separatism, political authority, power deflation, moderate public, sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) within the context of domestic political terrorism, focusing on the group's efforts to achieve independence through violence in the 1960s and 1970s.
What are the primary themes analyzed in the work?
Key themes include the efficacy of terrorist tactics, the dynamics of government response to extremism, the role of public opinion in separatist movements, and the political evolution of Quebec.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to utilize Nicholas O. Berry's theoretical framework to understand how the FLQ attempted to weaken the Canadian and Quebec governments, and why those strategies ultimately failed to achieve their goals.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper employs a qualitative, historical analysis, applying political science theories on the efficacy of terrorism to the specific historical events of the 1970 October Crisis.
What aspects are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the development of the FLQ, the theoretical responses to terrorism, the progression of the October Crisis, the governmental implementation of the War Measures Act, and the post-crisis political environment.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as FLQ, October Crisis, War Measures Act, Quebec separatism, counterterrorism, and political efficacy.
How did the FLQ attempt to manipulate public support?
The FLQ used acts of terrorism and the dissemination of a manifesto to portray themselves as defenders of the working class against an oppressive 'bourgeoisie' status quo.
Why did the Canadian government's decision to use the War Measures Act initially appear risky?
It was considered a risky gamble because implementing civil liberty restrictions reserved for wartime could have been perceived as a government overreaction, potentially alienating the public and driving more support toward the FLQ.
What impact did the assassination of Pierre Laporte have on the movement?
It served as a turning point that caused a rapid loss of moderate public sympathy for the FLQ, effectively delegitimizing their cause in the eyes of the majority of Quebecers.
- Citation du texte
- Michael Kennedy (Auteur), 2013, The Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) and the Efficacy of Terrorism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/268262
