Traditional elements are customs and beliefs that have been handed down from generation
to generation. In Quebec, during Maurice Duplessis' rule (1944-1959) the major traditional
elements involved:
 

Maurice Duplessis Role of the State (government) The government led by Maurice Duplessis continued to believe that the state should  not intervene in either the social or economic sectors. Consequently, its role was basically  a supporting one which consisted of offering  subsidies to the Church and favourable  conditions for investment purposes.

The Roman Catholic Church It continued to control education, hospitals, orphanages, and welfare services. It was also influential in government, unions and the caisses populaires. The Church continued to promote large families, rural life, and Christian values. Idealization of rural life It was believed that the rural communities were the best places to promote traditional values such as family life, gratifying work and religious beliefs. Agriculture was and should continue to be at the heart of Quebec's economy in order to avoid urbanization and associated problems such as unemployment and housing shortages.

Try the following questions on the traditional elements in Quebec society under Maurice Duplessis.