1968 in Canada: A Year and Its Legacies

1968 was a pivotal year in Canadian history, marked by significant events and developments that shaped the country's national consciousness. Trudeaumania emerged, the Parti Québécois was born, English Canada articulated a new nationalism, the Royal Commission on the Status of Women held public hearings, Medicare and CanLit were established, and the country sought a new relationship with the United States and a more independent foreign policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2021
Publisher: University of Ottawa Press

The year 1968 in Canada was a remarkable and transformative period, marked by a frenetic pace of activities and their profound impact on shaping a new national consciousness among Canadians. It was a year filled with significant decisions and contentious actions, both within Canada and beyond its borders, whose consequences reverberated across the nation and had far-reaching consequences.

One of the most notable events of 1968 was the rise of Trudeaumania, as Canadian citizens embraced the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Trudeau's policies, including the introduction of Medicare and the National Library of Canada, as well as his commitment to a more independent foreign policy, resonated with Canadians and helped to solidify his popularity.

In English Canada, 1968 saw the articulation of a new nationalism, marked by a renewed sense of pride and identity among Canadians. This period also witnessed the emergence of the Parti Québécois, a political party that advocated for Quebec's independence from Canada. The year saw a series of public hearings in the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, which highlighted the issues of gender inequality and discrimination faced by women in Canadian society.

Furthermore, 1968 saw the establishment of the Canadian Radio and Television Commission, which played a crucial role in shaping the country's media landscape. The year also witnessed the introduction of nation-wide Medicare and the CanLit movement, which aimed to promote Canadian literature and culture.

In addition to these domestic developments, 1968 was a year of international significance. Canada sought to establish a new relationship with the United States, while also pursuing a more independent foreign policy elsewhere. This period saw Canada's involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as its participation in the Apollo 11 mission, which marked a significant milestone in human space exploration.

The year 1968 was a transformative period in Canadian history, marked by a surge of activism, cultural expression, and political change. It laid the foundation for a new era of Canadian nationalism, as well as a renewed commitment to social justice and equality. The events of 1968 continue to shape the country's identity and values to this day, and serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of pursuing a vision for a better future.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780776636597
Edition number: 2021st ed.