Separatism in Canada - a nation at stake? The example of Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador

Seminararbeit , 2005 , 16 Seiten , Note: 1.3

Amerikanistik - Kultur und Landeskunde

This paper examines the historical reasons for the current developments concerning the issue of separatism within Canada. The "classic" cleavages between the federal government and Québec as well as the occurences in Newfoundland and Labrador are presented and analysed in detail.

Table of Contents

• Canadian Identity and Separatism: Quo vadis Canada ?
• The Ontology of Separatism
  • Definition and Implications
  • The Emergence of Separatism since the 18th century
• Québec the Reluctant Province
• Separatism in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Synopsis and Future Perspectives

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper examines the current state of separatist movements in Canada, analyzing the reasons behind resentments against the central government in Ottawa, particularly in Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador. It investigates the historical background, highlighting the impact of Anglo-French rivalry in North America and the ongoing debate about Canadian identity and national consciousness.

• Canadian identity and the complexities of national consciousness
• Historical and contemporary factors contributing to separatist sentiment in Canada
• The role of regionalism and provincial identities in shaping Canadian society
• The impact of the relationship with the United States on Canadian national identity
• The specific case of Québec separatism and its historical roots

Chapter Summaries

• Canadian Identity and Separatism: Quo vadis Canada?: This chapter explores the intricacies of Canadian identity, arguing that despite economic prosperity and social development, a cohesive national consciousness has not yet formed. It analyzes the role of regionalism and the impact of historical events, particularly the Anglo-French rivalry, on the formation of Canadian identity. The chapter introduces the concept of separatism and its significance in understanding the dynamics of Canadian society.
• The Ontology of Separatism: This chapter defines separatism as a political phenomenon and examines its historical emergence since the 18th century. It discusses the motivations behind separatist movements, particularly the desire for sovereignty and self-determination. The chapter provides a theoretical framework for understanding the motivations and complexities of separatism.
• Québec the Reluctant Province: This chapter focuses on the specific case of Québec separatism, tracing its roots back to the historical rivalry between French and English settlers in North America. It examines the social, cultural, and political factors contributing to the persistence of separatist sentiment in Québec, exploring the ongoing debate about language, identity, and autonomy.
• Separatism in Newfoundland and Labrador: This chapter explores the dynamics of separatist sentiment in Newfoundland and Labrador, contrasting it with the situation in Québec. It analyzes the historical context, including the province's unique relationship with Canada and its economic challenges, and explores the reasons for the emergence of separatist movements in this region.

Keywords

Canadian identity, separatism, regionalism, national consciousness, Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Anglo-French rivalry, historical context, cultural identity, political autonomy, sovereignty, self-determination.

• Hochschule: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Institute for English and American Studies)
• Veranstaltung: Seminar
• Note: 1.3
• Autor: Oliver Gebel (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2005
• Seiten: 16
• Katalognummer: V40009
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638386388
• ISBN (Buch): 9783638758482
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Separatism, Canada, Québec, Newfoundland, Labrador, Seminar, Cultural Studies, Canadian Studies, Kanadische Provinzen, Kanada, Separatismus, Minderheiten, interkulturell, Konflikt