inter war years- dominions and imperial defence Flashcards
what is a Dominion?
A British settler colony with self governing powers and the British monarch as head of state
What is the Commonwealth?
An association consisting of the UK together with states that were previously part of the empire and it’s dependencies
What were the two key crisis is in Canada?
The chanak crisis
The king byng crisis
when was the chanak crisis?
1922
what was the chanak crisis
Britain had asked Canada to get involved in a military dispute
The PM of Canada King said he would have to take the matter to the Canadian house of commons who were on holiday
what was the significance of the chanak crisis
it was the first time that Canada have rejected Britain’s request to get involved in a military conflict
what happened as a result of the the chanak crisis
in 1922 King George granted Canada the first national symbol
But in 1923 Canada signed the halibut treaty with the US
when was the king byng crisis
1926
what was the king byng crisis
King was Prime Minister in coalition with the progressive party
Following an election, the conservative leader wins more votes then King but King stays in power in a minority coalition government and requests an election
This was refused and the conservatives were put into power
what was the result of the king byng crisis
The conservative leaders last three days and were humiliated at the polls with a massive defeat and king returns following the election
what was Britain’s solution to their concerns over the dominions?
Grant some countries independence
Established the Commonwealth for a special relationship
British monarch remains head of state
when was the Balfour report/declaration and the imperial conference?
October to November 1926 in London
who attended the balfour report/declaration and the imperial conference?
The British and the Dominion prime minister’s attended
what was the result of the balfour report/declaration and the imperial conference
Canada and other nations of the British Commonwealth were officially recognised as ‘autonomous countries…equal in status’
when was the statute of Westminster?
1931
What was the result of the 1931 statue of Westminster?
It meant that laws passed in Britain could not be enforced in the dominions without the consent of their parliament, e.g. the Dominion are free to pass laws
where and when was there immediate impact of the statue of Westminster?
In Canada, South Africa and the Irish free state in 1931
what happened in Australia and New Zealand after the statue of Westminster?
It required Parliamentary ratification in Australia in 1942 and New Zealand in 1947
What was the result of the statue of Westminster on Newfoundland?
They reverted to a crown colony before joining Canada in 1949
What were the key problems for Britain of imperial defence?
week economic position
Nationalism
New aggressive regimes in Asia
What was the impact of the British problems in imperial defence?
Britain took a geopolitical view
Appeasement
Balance of defence of the empire and home
What is the British policy of appeasement and where did they try and use it?
compromising in some area so you could save resources for others
Failed attempt with Italy and germany
