With Friends Like These Entangled Nationalisms and the Canada-Quebec-France Triangle, 1944-1970

One of the most enduring images of Quebec’s Quiet Revolution is of Charles de Gaulle proclaiming “Vive le Qu?bec libre!” from the balcony of Montreal City Hall. The incident laid bare Canada’s unity crisis and has since dominated interpretations of the Canada-Quebec-France triangle. David Meren demystifies this cri du balcon by looking beyond de Gaulle to Quebec’s evolving relationship with France after the war and the clash of nationalisms that resulted. By seeking to understand Quebec, Gaullist, and Canadian nationalism, Meren not only casts doubt on established interpretations of events, he also reveals how the challenge of responding to American superpower and influence shaped the triangle.