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Canada's Growing Autonomy
Canada had gained a new sense of maturity because of it's independence from Britain and its major contribution to the war. -
Canada Gains Independence
On July 1, 1867, the Dominion of Canada was officially established as a self-governing entity within the British Commonwealth. -
Alaska Border Dispute
The Alaska border dispute was a disagreement between the USA and Canada over the border of Alaska. This disagreement occurred because miners in the area discovered a gold rush and both countries wanted to be a part of it. When the voting was made to decide the new border Britain decided to vote in favour of America, this made Canada rethink their relationship with Britain. -
Canada Joins the League Of Nations
Events prior to 1920s
Canada joining League of Nations 1919
42 nations join together to form the League of Nations, their goal is prevent another World War from happening. Canada joins the League of Nations as its own country instead of a part of Britain. Canada’s effeorts in World War 1 were known worldwide, and as a reward for their great efforts the League of Nations rewarded them with their own place. -
The Chanak Affair
Britain and Turkey were arguing over a small piece of land that linked the Black Sea with the Aegean Sea called Chanak. Britain asked for support from the Canadian military. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King said that only the Canadian Parliament could decide whether Canadian troops would be sent. This response took Britain a back and put Canada one step forward in becoming completely independent. -
The Halibut Treaty
The Halibut Treaty was between Canada and the United States of America, it was regarding the halibut fishing season in the North Pacific Ocean. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King insisted that Canada, and not Britain, sign the treaty. The treaty confirmed Canada’s new found economical and political standing. The treaty was made to preserve the fish stock and was Canada’s first environmental treaty. -
The King-Byng Affair
Julies Byng was Canada’s Governor-General and he was acting as an agent of the British Government. Byng refused to dissolve Canada’s Parliament and call an election when requested by Prine Minister King. King accused Byng of ignoring the advice of the elected government. King turned the Governor-General role into a representative of the British Crown, and this allowed the Canadian Government to secure power to communicate the British Government. King continued to win the next few elections. -
The Balfour Report
The Balfour Report was influenced by the King-Byng affair, the report declared that Britain and its colonies were equal to each other. PM King sought greater powers for the Dominions. He wanted Canada to be able to make its own foreign policy decisions. Canada was declared a self-governing, independent nation. Canada was no longer a Dominion, but Canada agreed to remain part of the voluntary British Commonwealth. This stand made by Prime Minister King gave other colonies the idea to do the same. -
The Statute of Westminster
On 11th December 1931, Britain passed the Statute of Westminister adopting as law the Balfour Report which was a British law defining the power of Canada’s parliament and giving them freedom in those areas. The law gave dominions full autonomy. It also gave former British colonies the right to pass laws with no input given by Britain and made Canada a completely self-governing nation.
