Une réconciliation insaisissable : le mouvement de la bonne entente, 1916-1930

The author points out that the "bonne entente" movement (1916-1930s), initiated by a small group of Quebec and Ontario Anglophones, began as an exercise in elite accommodation with the purpose of fostering a friendly dialogue between English-and French-speaking Canadians that was sorely lacking during the Great War years. He notes that in attempting to explain "bonne entente" within the confines of the traditional narrative, previous authors have described how the movement's Anglophone membership used it to soft-peddle their Francophone counterparts into accepting conscription. However, the author argues that recruitment and conscription were not necessarily the sole nor the first priority in the minds of many Anglophone members. Instead, he claims, the creators of the Bonne Entente League in 1916 were initially more intent on recapturing the spirit of unity and patriotic fervour that had permeated Canadian society —French and English— at the war's outset. Indeed, the author contends, the League and its successor organisations persisted into the post-war era to become a behind-the-scenes common front for the repeal of Ontario's discriminatory Regulation 17 against French-language rights. The author concludes that from the Great War through to the Depression, the "bonne entente" movement provided a voice for moderation and unity in an otherwise divided society. It helped restore the process of elite accommodation and gave rise to a civic Canadian nationalism.

Mens: Revue d'histoire intellectuelle et culturelle

Vol. 8

no. 1

67-125

Automne 2007

fr