History UsefulNotes / Quebec

* ''Film/Mario1984''

Quebec (''Québec'' in French, mind the accent - the name comes from an Algonquin word referring to the location near Quebec City as "where the [Saint Laurence] river narrows") is the largest [[UsefulNotes/CanadianProvincesAndTerritories province]] of UsefulNotes/{{Canada}} in area, and second only to Nunavut in all of Canadian territorial units. It's also the second-most populated province after Ontario. It is also the Country's only officially [[UsefulNotes/FrenchLanguage French-speaking]] province. As a result, its distinct culture, not to mention its sovereignty movement, have set it apart from the rest (read: the primarily ''English-speaking'' areas) of Canada. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament declared Quebec as a "nation within a united Canada".

Quebec (''Québec'' in French, mind the accent - the name comes from an Algonquin word referring to the location near Quebec City as "where the [Saint Laurence] river narrows") is the largest [[UsefulNotes/CanadianProvincesAndTerritories province]] of UsefulNotes/{{Canada}} in area, and second only to Nunavut in all of Canadian territorial units. It is also the Country's only officially [[UsefulNotes/FrenchLanguage French-speaking]] province. As a result, its distinct culture, not to mention its sovereignty movement, have set it apart from the rest (read: the primarily ''English-speaking'' areas) of Canada. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament declared Quebec as a "nation within a united Canada".

* ''Film/{{Invincible|2023}}''

* ''Film/{{Invincible}}''

One element of Quebec society that many people in the rest of Canada tend to overlook is that the Quebecers, except for usually Anglo-Quebecers and Indigenous people living within Quebec's borders, are much more likely to emphasize Canada as TheFederation than other Canadians. While most other Canadians tend to see themselves as simply "Canadians", a lot of Quebecers, and most francophones, see themselves as a distinct nation with very particular concerns about identity that is participating in a greater polity [[note]]A very rough analogy would be to compare Canada to supranational organizations like the United Nations, NATO or the European Union: you may genuinely support these organizations and be happy they exist and that your country is part of them, but you identify as "your country" and not as "the United Nations". That being said most Quebecers, especially French speakers, will identify as Quebecers first and Canadians second, but will still identify as Canadian to some extent[[/note]]. It is difficult to properly convey Quebec culture to outsiders because in most English-speaking nations language is primarily a mean to communicate and is very rarely a political issue, while in Quebec language is fundamental to the ethnic identity. This is why there is some friction between both English- and French-Canadians, even though the majority of both sides act in good faith, it is difficult to properly understand the mindset of "the other", in effect, to put yourself in their shoes. Intrusions into what are seen as Quebec's rightful jurisdictions are considered very SeriousBusiness and potential threats to Quebec's francophone identity (then again, most provinces would object to the federal government intruding on matters that the constitution identifies as being provincial powers). Note that, due to some controversies, Quebec nationalism has been accused of being based on the "pure laine" (pure wool) ethnicity. [[note]]To offer yet another rough comparison, this could be compared to the ''Yamato''/''Nihonjin'' ethnic identity in UsefulNotes/{{Japan}}.[[/note]] Long story short, this basically refers to Quebecers that are either exclusively or overwhelmingly[[note]]Some Quebecers that would otherwise fit the profile have non-French surnames due to various phenomena, such as francophone families allowing otherwise completely assimilated Irish Catholic children they adopted [[UsefulNotes/IrishPotatoFamine during the famine]] to keep their last names.[[/note]] ethnicalaly French Canadian and have French as a (sole) mother tongue. The term "pure laine" is increasingly controversial and taboo, even with people who would fit the "description". However, in practice, it is a cultural nationalism that includes space for the Quebec's anglophone community and new immigrants regardless of skin colour. In a way, Quebec nationalism often isn't that different from its Canadian counterpart, emphasizing common values rather than ethnicity. That being said, Quebec is by no means an utopia, and although there has been more and more discussion about race, racism, religion, etc..., there is still a VocalMinority of xenophobes and racists (ranging from idiots who think it's funny to drop the N-word, to actual violent hate crimes) just like in virtually every country.

One element of Quebec society that many people in the rest of Canada tend to overlook is that the Quebecers, except for usually Anglo-Quebecers and Indigenous people living within Quebec's borders, are much more likely to emphasize Canada as TheFederation than other Canadians. While most other Canadians tend to see themselves as simply "Canadians", a lot of Quebecers, and most francophones, see themselves as a distinct nation with very particular concerns about identity that is participating in a greater polity [[note]]A very rough analogy would be to compare Canada to supranational organizations like the United Nations, NATO or the European Union: you may genuinely support these organizations and be happy they exist and that your country is part of them, but you identify as "your country" and not as "the United Nations". That being said most Quebecers, especially French speakers, will identify as Quebecers first and Canadians second, but will still identify as Canadian to some extent[[/note]]. It is difficult to properly convey Quebec culture to outsiders because in most English-speaking nations language is primarily a mean to communicate and is very rarely a political issue, while in Quebec language is fundamental to the ethnic identity. This is why there is some friction between both English- and French-Canadians, even though the majority of both sides act in good faith, it is difficult to properly understand the mindset of "the other", in effect, to put yourself in their shoes. Intrusions into what are seen as Quebec's rightful jurisdictions are considered very SeriousBusiness and potential threats to Quebec's francophone identity (then again, most provinces would object to the federal government intruding on matters that the constitution identifies as being provincial powers). Note that, due to some controversies, Quebec nationalism has been accused of being based on the "pure laine" (pure wool) ethnicity. [[note]]To offer yet another rough comparison, this could be compared to the ''Yamato''/''Nihonjin'' ethnic identity in UsefulNotes/{{Japan}}.[[/note]] This basically refers to Quebecers that either exclusively or overwhelmingly[[note]]Some Quebecers that would otherwise fit the profile have non-French surnames due to different phenomena, such as Franco-Canadian families adopting Irish Catholic immigrants during the [[UsefulNotes/IrishPotatoFamine famine]] and these kids completely assimilating aside from keeping their last names, Americans or American-born Loyalists assimilating into Canadien society due to being outnumbered, and miscellaneous European immigrants, especially Italians, assimilating into the Franco-Canadian community rather than the Anglo-Canadian one like most immigrants at the time.[[/note]] descend from New France-born Canadien settlers and whose linguistic upbringing was only done in French. The term "pure laine" is increasingly controversial and taboo, even with people who would fit the "description". However, in practice, it is a cultural nationalism that includes space for the Quebec's anglophone community and new immigrants regardless of skin colour. In a way, Quebec nationalism often isn't that different from its Canadian counterpart, emphasizing common values rather than ethnicity. That being said, Quebec is by no means an utopia, and although there has been more and more discussion about race, racism, religion, etc..., there is still a VocalMinority of xenophobes and racists (ranging from idiots who think it's funny to drop the N-word, to actual violent hate crimes) just like in virtually every country.

* Creator/AlanisObomsawin, known for her documentaries focusing of indigenous Canadians.

Quebec (''Québec'' in French, mind the accent - the name comes from an Algonquin word referring to the location near Quebec City as "where the [Saint Laurence] river narrows") is the largest [[UsefulNotes/CanadianProvicesAndTerritories province]] of UsefulNotes/{{Canada}} in area, and second only to Nunavut in all of Canadian territorial units. It is also the Country's only officially [[UsefulNotes/FrenchLanguage French-speaking]] province. As a result, its distinct culture, not to mention its sovereignty movement, have set it apart from the rest (read: the primarily ''English-speaking'' areas) of Canada. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament declared Quebec as a "nation within a united Canada".

Quebec (''Québec'' in French, mind the accent - the name comes from an Algonquin word referring to the location near Quebec City as "where the [Saint Laurence] river narrows") is the largest province of UsefulNotes/{{Canada}} in area, and second only to Nunavut in all of Canadian territorial units. It is also the Country's only officially [[UsefulNotes/FrenchLanguage French-speaking]] province. As a result, its distinct culture, not to mention its sovereignty movement, have set it apart from the rest (read: the primarily ''English-speaking'' areas) of Canada. In 2006, the Canadian Parliament declared Quebec as a "nation within a united Canada".

* Creator/XavierDolan, film director and screenwriter.

* UsefulNotes/PierreTrudeau, Canada's 15th Prime Minister and Justin's father.
* Justin Trudeau, Canada's 23rd Prime Minister.

---------

One element of Quebec society that many people in the rest of Canada tend to overlook is that the Quebecers, except for usually Anglo-Quebecers and Indigenous people living within Quebec's borders, are much more likely to emphasize Canada as TheFederation than other Canadians. While most other Canadians tend to see themselves as simply "Canadians", a lot of Quebecers, and most francophones, see themselves as a distinct nation with very particular concerns about identity that is participating in a greater polity [[note]]A very rough analogy would be to compare Canada to supranational organizations like the United Nations, NATO or the European Union: you may genuinely support these organizations and be happy they exist and that your country is part of them, but you identify as "your country" and not as "the United Nations". That being said most Quebecers, especially French speakers, will identify as Quebecers first and Canadians second, but will still identify as Canadian to some extent[[/note]]. It is difficult to properly convey Quebec culture to outsiders because in most English-speaking nations language is primarily a mean to communicate and is very rarely a political issue, while in Quebec language is fundamental to the ethnic identity. This is why there is some friction between both English- and French-Canadians, even though the majority of both sides act in good faith, it is difficult to properly understand the mindset of "the other", in effect, to put yourself in their shoes. Intrusions into what are seen as Quebec's rightful jurisdictions are considered very SeriousBusiness and potential threats to Quebec's francophone identity (then again, most provinces would object to the federal government intruding on matters that the constitution identifies as being provincial powers). Note that, due to some controversies, Quebec nationalism has been accused of being based on the "pure laine" (pure wool) ethnicity [[note]]To offer yet another rough comparison, this could be compared to the ''Yamato''/''Nihonjin'' ethnic identity in UsefulNotes/Japan[[/note]]. This basically refers to Quebecers that either exclusively or overwhelmingly[[note]]Some Quebecers that would otherwise fit the profile have non-French surnames due to different phenomena, such as Franco-Canadian families adopting Irish Catholic immigrants during the [[UsefulNotes/IrishPotatoFamine famine]] and these kids completely assimilating aside from keeping their last names, Americans or American-born Loyalists assimilating into Canadien society due to being outnumbered, and miscellaneous European immigrants, especially Italians, assimilating into the Franco-Canadian community rather than the Anglo-Canadian one like most immigrants at the time.[[/note]] descend from New France-born Canadien settlers and whose linguistic upbringing was only done in French. The term "pure laine" is increasingly controversial and taboo, even with people who would fit the "description". However, in practice, it is a cultural nationalism that includes space for the Quebec's anglophone community and new immigrants regardless of skin colour. In a way, Quebec nationalism often isn't that different from its Canadian counterpart, emphasizing common values rather than ethnicity. That being said, Quebec is by no means an utopia, and although there has been more and more discussion about race, racism, religion, etc..., there is still a VocalMinority of xenophobes and racists (ranging from idiots who think it's funny the drop the N-word, to actual violent hate crimes) just like in virtually every country.

* Sir Henri Charles Wilfrid Laurier, former [[UsefulNotes/CanadianPrimeMinisters prime minister of Canada]].

* Nancy Martinez, dance singer known for her 1986 hit, "For Tonight."

On the other hand, the Parti Québécois (non-violent Quebec separatists) gained popularity under René Lévesque and won a victory in the 1976 provincial election. They passed the Charter of the French Language (also known as "Bill 101") to make French the province's only official language and impose some restrictions on the use of English in schools and workplaces. They also held a referendum on whether to make Quebec "sovereign" (read: independent) in 1980, only for it to be defeated by a landslide. Attempts by the Quebec government to gain more provincial rights and leverage resulted in the new 1982 Canadian constitution, which was not ratified in Quebec. In 1987, the Meech Lake Accord was held by Canadian premiers to try to patch up differences, but failed utterly in the early 1990s. Later, the Parti Québécois held a second sovereignty referendum in 1995. This time, the "no" side only won by a slim margin. The premier of Quebec blamed it on "money and ethnic votes" that exacerbated the matter. Since then, actual support for sovereignty has declined, while at the same time the vast majority of inhabitants of the province consider themselves more Quebecer than Canadian. Quebec is trying to find its place in Canadian and world society, becoming a leader in information technology, energy, aerospace, and UsefulNotes/MapleSyrup.

One element of Quebec society that many people in the rest of Canada tend to overlook is that the Quebecers, except for usually Anglo-Quebecers and Indigenous people living within Quebec's borders, are much more likely to emphasize Canada as TheFederation than other Canadians. While most other Canadians tend to see themselves as simply "Canadians", a lot of Quebecers, and most francophones, see themselves as a distinct nation with very particular concerns about identity that is participating in a greater polity. Intrusions into what are seen as Quebec's rightful jurisdictions are considered very SeriousBusiness and potential threats to Quebec's francophone identity. Note that, due to some controversies, Quebec nationalism has been accused of being based on the "pure laine" (pure wool) ethnicity. This basically refers to Quebecers that either exclusively or overwhelmingly[[note]]Some Quebecers that would otherwise fit the profile have non-French surnames due to different phenomena, such as Franco-Canadian families adopting Irish Catholic immigrants during the [[UsefulNotes/IrishPotatoFamine famine]] and these kids completely assimilating aside from keeping their last names, Americans or American-born Loyalists assimilating into Canadien society due to being outnumbered, and miscellaneous European immigrants, especially Italians, assimilating into the Franco-Canadian community rather than the Anglo-Canadian one like most immigrants at the time.[[/note]] descend from New France-born Canadien settlers and whose linguistic upbringing was only done in French. However, in practice, it is a cultural nationalism that includes space for the Quebec's anglophone community and new immigrants regardless of skin colour. In a way, Quebec nationalism often isn't that different from its Canadian counterpart, emphasizing common values rather than ethnicity.

The territory now encompassing Quebec was first inhabited by Inuit and [[UsefulNotes/NativeAmericans Native American peoples]] such as the Huron. Jacques Cartier in the 1500s later reached the area in Quebec and helped set up a colony called Stadacona. The settlement failed; however, the French did not give up. Later, French merchants set up shop in the Saint Lawrence Valley and became fur traders.

In 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City to make it the base of French power in North America. With alliance between Huron and Algonquin tribes, the French secured the territory. In exchange of furs, the French gave the First Nations their alcohol, guns, and clothing, and also tried to convert them to Catholicism with various degree of success. Later, the French kings introduced the seigneural system where settlers from the French Empire, primarily Normans and Bretons, will till a part of land for their landlords, called the seigneurs. These settlers, whose descendants came to be known as Canadiens, will later also expand to what is today Ontario, Manitoba, and even territories along the Great Lakes Mississippi River and in the United States.

The British at first tried to assimilate the Canadiens that inhabited the land they just got, but later gave up on this and implemented the Quebec Act of 1774. This was one of the grievances that erupted into UsefulNotes/TheAmericanRevolution. They claimed that the British were favoring the French-speaking Canadiens over the English-speaking American colonists. Religion was one cause, too; the Canadiens in Quebec are mostly Catholic while the Americans are mainly Protestant. Quebec remained loyal to Britain during that war, the British troops there resisting attempts by American generals to conquer Quebec, with the British settlers being determined to stay loyal to the crown, and the Canadiens basically operating on a mentality of "the British may be English-speaking Protestant oppressors but dammit, they're OUR English-speaking Protestant oppressors!"