It’s not a balcony, it’s History

General de Gaulle is one of the most important figures of the 20th century^e century.

Published at 12:51 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In July 1967, during his historic visit to Quebec, wherever he went, thousands of people took to the streets to cheer him. Through him, people celebrate the France of their ancestors, a France which is finally interested in a Quebec which refuses erasure, which asserts itself, which slowly rises. The general said he felt “an atmosphere of the same kind as that of the Liberation”. He knew his stuff.

This visit is among the most significant events in our national history.

On July 24, the speech given by the general on the balcony of Montreal city hall had a global resonance. Indeed, this speech, on this balcony, practically gave birth to Quebec on the international scene. As proof, to be able to relate the event, the People’s Dailyan organ of the Chinese Communist Party, had to invent a new combination of ideograms to give birth to the word Quebec in Mandarin^⁠1. This is called coming into the world^⁠2.

PHOTO FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE CITY OF MONTRÉAL

General de Gaulle launched “Long live free Quebec!” » from the balcony of Montreal city hall, July 24, 1967.

Because it legitimized, strengthened and stimulated the movement of affirmation of Quebecers, this speech also caused the greatest political crisis in history between France and Canada.

The general did all this in eight minutes. In eight minutes, he slowly spoke 334 words. You can see and hear it in this video^⁠3. Look at the crowd. There were 15,000 of them in the little rue Notre-Dame. Thrills guaranteed.

Since that day, the balcony of the town hall has something legendary. It was the scene of powerful images which still build our collective imagination today.

Yet, yet, for several decades, the famous balcony has been almost inaccessible. It’s hard to imagine, but the room that gave access to it had been repurposed to install offices. The separation between the work spaces even obstructed, from inside the building, the view of the balcony. We wouldn’t have treated an old cupboard any other way. When it comes to the sense of history, you could hardly do worse!

But, great joy, that is now a thing of the past!

The City of Montreal took advantage of the renovations to city hall, as imposing as they were necessary, to restore its primary mission to the room which gives access to the balcony.

Outside the offices, the pretty room has once again become a room for protocol use and the balcony is now highlighted in the permanent museum tour.

Saturday morning, in Montreal, I was able to do what many history buffs dream of doing one day. I stood, in the very place where the general had given hope and inspired pride to millions of Quebecers. The place recalls the power of words as well as the greatness and courage of a man who influenced the destiny of all of Europe and ours. A moving place.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF MONTREAL
The living room leading to the balcony of Montreal City Hall

As the doors which open onto the balcony itself are glazed, the balcony will be visible all year round. When the weather permits, the doors will be open, but access to the balcony will still be restricted. As this historic site has remained in its original state, it does not meet today’s safety standards. Upgrading to standards will eventually make it accessible during special events. I was able to set foot there because I was accompanied by a city official. Luck favors the chroniclers.

There will always be people who criticize investments in heritage preservation. I invite them to go visit Montreal city hall. They will be able to admire their history there. They will see that we are capable of great and beautiful things.

In the darkest hours of the Second World War, when France was on its knees, while it was sinking into shame, de Gaulle believed in victory. This visionary also knew, before many others, that Algerian independence was inevitable, that Europe should maintain a certain independence from the United States and that threats weighed on the French language. He could see far.

On this balcony, he also said that he believed in us. It’s not a balcony, it’s History.

To the books, citizens

Two books to deepen your knowledge on the relationship between General de Gaulle and Quebec.