A shrewd politician, René Lévesque made Quebec separatism a reality. The Parti Québécois thrived because of his passion, integrity, and considerable charm. It has been said that when he spoke to someone, he gave the feeling that he or she was the most important person in the world. In an era when some preferred to use firebombs to get their point across, Lévesque wanted Quebeckers to vote on separation. But in May 1980, the people of Quebec voted a resounding "no." For Lévesque, it was the end of a dream.