Lesson:http://www.virtualhistorian.ca/october_crisis_single

Text: The goal of this lesson is to understand different perspectives of people who supported and opposed the War Measures Act invoked by the Canadian government in October 1970 to suppress the Front de Libération du Québec (FLQ) separatist movement.

Students will discover in this short investigation that people had different reasons to support or oppose the War Measures Act and these continue to divide Canadians today. A comprehensive lesson with additional sources is available in the Members' Section. 

The War Measures Act, invoked by the Canadian government in October 1970 in response to the FLQ crisis, remains one of the most controversial moments in the country’s modern history. Through the study of historical documents and testimonies, students begin to understand how deeply divided public opinion was at the time, with some citizens supporting the government's decisive action in the name of national security, while others feared the erosion of civil liberties and viewed the move as excessive. These differing perspectives are not confined to the past; the debate over how far a government should go to maintain order still resonates with many Canadians today. This is particularly relevant for Millennial men, now aged roughly between 30 and 45, who often find themselves navigating questions of authority, civic responsibility, and personal freedom in a world shaped by both historical memory and present-day uncertainties. By examining the reasoning behind both support and opposition to the War Measures Act, students not only gain historical insight but also develop the ability to critically assess current events that test the balance between collective safety and individual rights. This exploration reminds us that history is not just a collection of facts but a lens through which each generation can better understand its own values and challenges.

Subject: Canadian history and Politics

Level: Secondary