Colonialism and Post-Colonial Legacies

Core Question/Theme: Is nationalism an effective force in opposing colonialism?

Overview: Although the nation of Canada was part of the British Empire (with all of the rights, privileges, customs, and culture thereof), the province of Quebec, steeped in over four centuries of French culture has had an uneasy relationship as part of this confederation.  In the 1960s, the francophone (pro-French) could argue that even within Quebec, the French culture was losing ground to Anglo/English culture, but as we turn into the 21st century, has the pendulum swung in the other direction....pushing the French speakers in Quebec to seek independence?  Is their nationalist movement justified considering the accommodations that the British, and now the Canadian federal governments have given to Quebec to preserve the French heritage?  Is it a modern-day nationalist rebellion against English colonial rule or a political game played by shrewd individuals seeking power?

Time required to teach: 2 class periods (45 minute length) to bring the information and analysis to students, plus any time spent on extension activities.

Suggested grade level: High school Modern World History or a Middle school course that spends extensive time on Canada.  Can be taught thematically as part of a unit on nationalist struggles.

New Jersey Social Studies Standards/Indicators covered: 6.3: #5-14; 6.4: 5-13; 6.5: #7-18; 6.6: #8,9,11,12,15; 6.7:#8,9,11,12,15; #6.8: #6,7,11,16,17

Objectives: Students will be able to determine if the Quebec separatists have a just cause for separation; evaluate any alternatives short of separation that be would acceptable to the Federalist and Separatists; assess the damages to Quebec and to Canada if separation occurs.

Procedures: Students should have already received basic information on the colonization of Canada and the wars which led to Anglo-French tensions (War of Austrian Succession 1740-1748) and the Seven Year's War (US: French and Indian War) 1756-1763. The Quebec Act of 1774 is referenced below, which is the best starting point for this discussion. View, then print out articles, and create a briefing packet which shows all sides of the issues. This would be the point at which in-class debate could take place. Any videos, recent current events, or additional work on your part could extend this to beyond 2 class periods.

Reference Materials:

BACKGROUND

• An introduction to Quebec history and culture.
• The Quebec Act of 1774--which allows for French institutions (ex: Catholic Church) to remain while under English rule. Other Canadian constitutional documents can be found at this link.
• Background to the 1980 and 1995 referendums. A good source of information plus there are links to personalities such as Lucien Bouchard, Jean Chrétien. Also, the interim efforts to resolve the problem are detailed.

THE PRO-SEPARATIST SIDE

The 1995 referendum:

"Do you agree that Quebec should become sovereign, after having made a formal offer to Canada for a new Economic and Political Partnership, within the scope of the Bill respecting the Future of Quebec and of the agreement signed on June 12, 1995. Yes or No?"

• Party Québécois Platform (1994). Here is what the politicians supporting independence were advocating in their party's platform. Pay particular attention to the protections that the party would guarantee the English speaking community within Quebec which makes up 18-20% of the population.
• The Parliament of Quebec drafts this bill to push the referendum forward.
• The June 12, 1995 agreement by the major forces for the secessionist movement (as mentioned in the referendum question--it was published shortly after the agreement. The referendum was voted on October 30, 1995. Allow time for the translation to load.
• Why the 1995 referendum failed. Quebec Premier Jacques Parizeau’s speech (leader of PQ’s 1995 effort) where he assumes (among many things) that the "ethnic" (hint: immigrant) vote cost the victory. A very charged commentary from someone who resigned after the failure of the referendum.

THE FEDERALIST (ANTI-SEPARTIST) SIDE

• The Federalist strategy was very relaxed, trying not to incite French speakers in Quebec to vote "Oui" by threats from Ottawa. Here is a look at the strategy as analyzed by a professor at the University of Ottawa, in a research paper, as it was unfurling. The strategy was trashed by Canadians after the narrow escape.
• View the text of speeches made by a recently re-elected (September 1995) Prime Minister of Canada on the eve of the referendum. Note: Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada and head of the Liberal Party, is from Quebec.
• Although the bias of this site ("Defence of Canada") comes through LOUD AND CLEAR, it is an interesting stopping point to see how Canadians got emotionally involved in one side or the other....even Canadians not living in Quebec. First comes a map of what Quebec would look like after native (aboriginal or "First Nations") lands were denied the Quebec separatists. The second is this group (or person's) manifesto. The third stop is a pointed reminder (in English) of what Quebec would lose if it left Canada.
• View the Liberal Party's platform on UNITY.

Because Lucien Bouchard said that he would ignore the ruling of the Canadian Supreme Court, The Liberal Party, under Chrétien, passed the Clarity Act which clearly defines how Quebec (or other provinces) could leave Canada.

THE 1998 CANADIAN SUPREME COURT CASE

• The 1998 Canadian Supreme Court Ruling ---- Summary. This is a very interesting challenge brought to the Canadian Supreme Court regarding whether Quebec could unilaterally declare independence within the framework of the Canadian constitution and whether Quebec would receive international recognition after in seceded. The actual court ruling, though long, raises some very interesting points to consider about movements throughout the world and whether the world should recognize every ethnic group who has a grievance within a country. US Supreme Court decisions are considered by the jurists as well as International Law scholars and jurists--you can read these expert witnesses and their rather negative views on secession from the standpoint of international recognition.
• A speech by Lucien Bouchard, then Premiere of the Province of Quebec and leader of the Bloc Québécois during the court hearing on sovereignty (translation of the speech).
• Unity Minister Stephane Dion—response to Bouchard’s half hearted acceptance of the Supreme Court Ruling. Many have commented (including statements from Dion) that Bouchard seeks independence yet tries to ring out of the Federal government money and concessions and that he is two-faced.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

• Is the flicker or separatism fading? Article from March 9, 2000 Washington Post.
• Lucien Bouchard resigns, 1/11/01.

Assessment:

1. An essay written as a character from either side evaluating the situation, the referendum's failure, or the court case.
2. Write a legal opinion if the case was appealed to an even higher court.
3. An evaluation of the pro's and con's of separation on a variety of issues--economic, social, political (would the native peoples of Canada or the western provinces go next).

Extension Activities: A simulated meeting between the two groups (Federalists and Quebecois) after the next referendum (in the future) passes to negotiate who gets what. A tie-in to other nationalist movements (Chechnya, N. Ireland) could point students into other directions along the theme of modern nationalist/cultural struggles.