Overview

One of the most enduring images of Quebec's Quiet Revolution is of Charles de Gaulle proclaiming ""Vive le Québec libre!"" from the balcony of Montreal City Hall in 1967. The French president's provocative act laid bare Canada's unity crisis and has dominated interpretations of the Canada-Quebec-France triangle ever since. With Friends like These demystifies this cri du balcon by shifting the focus from de Gaulle to the broader domestic and international forces at play. Meren traces the evolution of Quebec's special relationship with France after the Second World War and reveals that the resulting clash of nationalisms – French, Québécois, and Canadian -- was fuelled not only by personalities and events but also by the efforts to respond to the power and influence of the United States in an increasingly interconnected world. By seeking to understand, rather than simply condemn, aspects of Quebec, Gaullist, and Canadian nationalism, Meren casts doubt on established interpretations of events and exposes the complexity of a growing international interest in Canadian affairs.

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9780774822251

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Analytically sophisticated and original in approach, With Friends Like These explores the complex triangular relations between France, Canada, and Quebec during the thirty years following the Second World War, and particularly the tensions following de Gaulle's cri du balcon in 1967. David Meren argues that only when set against the prevailing international reality of foreign policy, economic relations, and cultural exchanges can greater insights be gained into the motives and interests that ruled the day. This exceptional work will forever change how we interpret a crucial period of French, Quebec, and Canadian history.<br> - Jean Lamarre, Professor, Department of History, Royal Military College of Canada

Analytically sophisticated and original in approach, With Friends Like These explores the complex triangular relations between France, Canada, and Quebec during the thirty years following the Second World War, and particularly the tensions following de Gaulle's cri du balcon in 1967. David Meren argues that only when set against the prevailing international reality of foreign policy, economic relations, and cultural exchanges can greater insights be gained into the motives and interests that ruled the day. This exceptional work will forever change how we interpret a crucial period of French, Quebec, and Canadian history. - Jean Lamarre, Professor, Department of History, Royal Military College of Canada

Author Information

David Meren is an assistant professor in the Département d'histoire at the Université de Montréal.

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