The traditional narrative in Quebec History seems to be that the great changes in Quebec Society (secularization, provincial takeover of education healthcare and electricity, modernized nationalism etc.) of the 1960s were the result of rapid change in the wake of Premier Maurice Duplessis death in 1959. I know there are historians who argue that the changes that occured in the early to mid 60s were really the result of elements of Quebec society that had already existed for some time under Duplessis. Could somebody please explain to me the arguments that suggest that the Quiet Revolution was more of a natural course of action for Quebec?
I'm not sure I understand the question... I mean, generally in history, historical events such as revolutions (as peaceful as they might be) don't happen overnight out of nowhere. Of course there was some "building up" in the 50's in reaction to the conservative character of Duplessis' government.
But even before the 60's, when Duplessis died, he was replaced by Paul Sauvé, who was only Prime Minister for a couple of months, before he died (and replaced by Antonio Barrette). Well, in the couple of months Paul Sauvé was PM, he implied that changes were indeed necessary in Québec, as his slogan "Désormais", litterally meaning "from now on" clearly shows.
Basically, I just think it's natural that the changes that happened in the 60's have their origins in the 50's when it comes to the Quiet Revolution. Also, perhaps the "traditional narrative", as you put it, that says it was all made by the Parti Libéral under Jean Lesage is kind of overrated, when you consider changes were already deemed necessary by a PM from the Union Nationale.
Source for the Slogan: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Sauv%C3%A9