Introduction Flashcards
What are the most important countries in the Commonwealth?
South Africa, India, Australia, and Canada.
What is the Commonwealth of Nations?
A voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries (sovereign states) working together towards shared goals.
What are the main goals of the Commonwealth?
To promote development, democracy, and peace.
How many people are part of the Commonwealth?
Over 2.7 billion people from very different origins.
How many of the 56 Commonwealth countries are island nations?
33 of those countries are island nations.
How many countries are currently in the Commonwealth?
56 countries.
Which two countries joined the Commonwealth in 2022?
Gabon and Togo.
What were Gabon and Togo’s colonial backgrounds before joining the Commonwealth?
Both were former French colonies.
What is the Commonwealth’s view on democracy?
It believes the best democracies are achieved through partnerships between government, business, and civil society.
What is the Commonwealth’s historical connection?
It has roots in the British Empire, but today any country can join the modern Commonwealth.
What values does the Commonwealth commit to?
Individual liberty, freedom from racism, peace, economic and social development, and international cooperation.
When did Great Britain start expanding overseas?
As early as the 15th century.
How does the Commonwealth promote education, health, and economic development?
Through a number of specialized skills and partnerships.
What type of countries make up the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth includes both advanced countries (e.g., the UK) and developing countries.
What document expresses the values and principles of the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth Charter, adopted in 2012.
What was the result of Britain’s overseas expansion?
The creation of a huge British Empire.
Despite losing the 13 American colonies, where did Britain continue to expand?
India, Canada, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
Which major event in 1776 affected the British Empire?
The loss of the 13 American colonies.
When did imperial rule begin to be questioned?
In the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century.
Why were the colonies important for Britain?
They provided an outlet for British manufactured goods.
Why did some colonies push for independence earlier than others?
Colonies with predominantly white populations were granted some form of self-government earlier.
Which country was the first to obtain dominion status?
Canada
When did Canada obtain dominion status?
1867
What does dominion status mean?
Self-government in internal affairs while remaining under British sovereignty.
What was the follow-up to the Balfour Report?
The Statute of Westminster (1931).
Why did dominions seek a new constitutional definition after WWI?
They wanted to reshape their relationship with Britain.
What was the significance of the Balfour Report of 1926?
It stated that dominions should be granted full autonomy.
What was the significance of the Statute of Westminster?
It granted full legislative power to dominions, creating the British Commonwealth.
What was the British Commonwealth initially called?
The Old Commonwealth.
How were white colonies defined under the British Commonwealth?
As “autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the crown.”
What did the dominions have in common?
A shared allegiance to the British crown.
Which dominions sought more independence from Britain?
Canada and South Africa.
Which dominions wanted to maintain close ties with Britain?
Australia and New Zealand.
Which country was the first to become a dominion?
Canada
When did Canada become a dominion?
1867
Which countries were hesitant about taking autonomy?
Australia and New Zealand.
When did Australia become independent?
1901
When did New Zealand become independent?
1907
Until what year did the Irish Free State exist under this status?
1937
When did South Africa become independent?
1910
When was the Irish Free State established?
1922
Could the British Parliament invalidate dominion acts?
No, dominion acts could not be invalidated.
Were dominions bound by past or future British acts?
No, unless they requested a consensus.
What did the Statute of Westminster (1931) do?
It ended the authority of the British imperial parliament over the dominions.
Who regretted the Statute of Westminster?
Some conservative members of Parliament, including Winston Churchill.
What global crisis was happening at the time?
The Great Depression.
Why was the Statute of Westminster significant?
It marked full legislative independence for dominions.
What was the status of the Commonwealth after 1931?
It became an exclusive club within the Empire.
What was the only requirement for Commonwealth membership at this time?
Allegiance to the Crown.
What were the advantages of Commonwealth membership?
Many benefits but no obligations.
In what year was the Statute of Westminster passed?
1931
How did newly independent nations view the Commonwealth?
They were eager to join.
What were much of the Commonwealth’s efforts devoted to during this time?
Dealing with economic problems caused by the Depression.
When was the Sterling Area created?
1931
What was the Ottawa Agreement (July-August 1932)?
A series of agreements on preferential tariffs between Commonwealth members, promoting empire free trade.
Why was the Sterling Area created?
GB was forced off the gold standard, making the pound sterling the monetary standard throughout the Empire (except Canada).
Why did defense become an important concern in the 1930s?
Due to increasing economic challenges and threats from Germany’s expansion plans
Why did Australia and New Zealand rely on Britain?
They needed British capital and markets.
How did Canada view its relationship with Great Britain, according to historian Abbey Bennett?
As unequal rather than dependent, using GB as a counterweight to US economic power.
How did WWII divide the Commonwealth?
Canada, Australia, and NZ fought with the Allies, while some South Africans and Indians were reluctant to join the war effort.
What impact did WWII have on Canada, Australia, and NZ?
They developed a stronger sense of self-identity and sought equal membership in the Commonwealth.
How did WWII affect the Pacific colonies’ relations with Britain?
They turned more to the US for support, reducing reliance on GB.
When did India and Pakistan gain independence from Britain?
August 1947.
What did Canada, Australia, and NZ demand after WWII?
Equal membership and partnership in the Commonwealth.
Why was Britain no longer able to impose its rules after WWII?
Its weakened position led to the fall of the Empire and the rise of the modern Commonwealth.
What major political shift followed Indian and Pakistani independence?
A wave of decolonization across the British Empire.
What did the dismantling of the British Empire lead to?
The creation of the modern Commonwealth.
What issue arose when India became a republic after independence?
Whether a republic could be part of the Commonwealth, which was traditionally bound by allegiance to the British Crown.
How was the issue of republic membership in the Commonwealth resolved?
Republics could remain in the Commonwealth as long as they accepted the British monarch as the symbolic Head of the Commonwealth.
Why did Britain want to keep India in the Commonwealth?
India was geopolitically and economically important to Britain.
What was the London Declaration (1949)?
A meeting of Commonwealth leaders that redefined the Commonwealth as a free association of independent nations, creating the modern Commonwealth of Nations.
Which countries participated in the London Declaration?
Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the UK.
How did the Commonwealth change after the London Declaration?
It became an international organization rather than a British-dominated one.
Why did Britain introduce immigration restrictions in 1962?
Due to housing and job shortages.
What was the impact of the London Declaration on newly independent nations?
It allowed them to join the Commonwealth without being bound to the British Crown.
What types of political institutions were accepted in the Commonwealth?
Parliamentary monarchies, traditional monarchies, and republics.
What change occurred in the Commonwealth’s racial composition?
It transitioned from a “White Commonwealth” to a multiracial organization.
How was the Commonwealth compared to other international organizations?
It was seen as a “mini United Nations.”
What were the new objectives of the Commonwealth after 1949?
Mutual support, special economic and trade relations, a multiracial Commonwealth, and the promotion of free circulation of people.
Did all Commonwealth members follow democratic principles?
No, some member states were not fully democratic.
What was the initial policy regarding immigration from Commonwealth countries to Britain?
Until 1962, Commonwealth citizens could enter Britain freely.
What was the Commonwealth Immigration Act (1962)?
A law limiting the number of Commonwealth citizens allowed to settle in Britain.
What additional immigration restrictions were introduced in 1968 and 1971?
New acts further curbed immigration, and after 1971, policies of free circulation were severely limited.
What was the Sterling Area?
A system where Commonwealth trade was conducted in pounds (£), except for Canada.
How did the Commonwealth benefit Britain economically in the early years?
Over 40% of British exports went to Commonwealth countries by 1950.
What were some key Commonwealth imports to Britain?
Meat from Canada, wool and dairy products from Australia and New Zealand.
What major currency shift happened in the Commonwealth in 1972?
It changed from using the pound (£) to the US dollar ($) for trade.
When did Britain start considering joining the European Economic Community (EEC)?
In the early 1960s.
Why did Britain’s potential entry into the EEC concern Commonwealth countries?
Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand feared losing trade privileges with Britain.
When did Britain officially join the EEC?
1973
What impact did Britain’s EEC membership have on Commonwealth trade?
Commonwealth trade exchanges gradually phased out as Britain focused on European markets.
What was the London Declaration of 1949?
It marked the birth of the modern Commonwealth.
How is the Commonwealth structured?
It is based on unwritten and traditional procedures, with agreements setting out its beliefs and objectives.
What major economic shift happened after 1973?
Different trading blocs emerged, such as EEC vs. US, Canada vs. NAFTA (US), and Australia/NZ vs. Asian markets.
How were Commonwealth principles reaffirmed over time?
Through various declarations that restated its founding values and objectives.
What was the Harare Declaration of 1991?
It strengthened the Commonwealth’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and economic/social development.
What was the Singapore Declaration of 1971?
It codified agreements on human rights and free trade.
What was the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme of 1995?
It aimed to fulfill the Harare principles more effectively.
Why was Zimbabwe suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002?
Due to concerns over human rights violations and governance issues.
Why was Fiji suspended from the Commonwealth?
Following a coup d’état.
Why was South Africa excluded from the Commonwealth in 1961?
After the abolition of apartheid and Nelson Mandela becoming president.
Did the Commonwealth originally have a formal charter?
No, it had no formal charter or constitution until 2012.
What was the significance of the Commonwealth Charter (December 2012)?
It embodied previous declarations and reaffirmed principles like poverty eradication, environmental protection, and access to health and education.
What are the different types of meetings within the Commonwealth?
- Meetings of Prime Ministers and Presidents (every 2 years).
- Meetings of government administration officials.
- Other contact meetings.
- Non-official association meetings.
- Public meetings in different locations.
How often do Prime Ministers and Presidents of Commonwealth nations meet?
Every two years.
How does the Commonwealth operate?
Through different types of working groups structured like a pyramid.
What is the purpose of public Commonwealth meetings?
To strengthen links between member nations.
What is the significance of non-official association meetings in the Commonwealth?
They allow for collaboration and exchange beyond formal government channels.
What role do government administration meetings play in the Commonwealth?
They ensure the implementation of Commonwealth policies and initiatives.
How many countries are in the Commonwealth today?
56 countries.
What is the role of the Commonwealth Secretary-General?
Represents the Commonwealth worldwide and protects its fundamental values.
Who is the current Head of the Commonwealth?
King Charles III (ceremonial role, no real power).
How long is the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s term?
A maximum of 8 years.
Who has been the Commonwealth Secretary-General since 2016?
Patricia Scotland.
Does the Commonwealth Secretary-General have decision-making power?
No, they act as an ambassador and arbitrator but have no power of decision.
When was the Commonwealth Secretariat established?
1965
Where is the Commonwealth Secretariat based?
London
What was responsible for administering the Commonwealth before 1965?
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
What is a key slogan that represents the Commonwealth’s mission?
“A voice for small states and a champion for youth empowerment.”
How is the Commonwealth Secretariat financed?
By contributions from member states, evaluated based on population and GNP (richer countries contribute more).
What types of government systems exist within the Commonwealth?
Republics, parliamentary monarchies, and monarchies.
What are the key responsibilities of the Commonwealth Secretariat?
- Representing the interests of member countries.
- Supporting democracy, rule of law, human rights, and governance.
- Promoting economic and social development, small states, and youth development.
- Facilitating cooperation between member governments.
- Providing guidance on policy-making and technical assistance.
- Supporting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.
How often are the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) held?
Every 2 years.
Who presides over the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings?
King Charles.
What happens during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings?
Country heads agree on policies and programmes.
What are some of the key discussion topics at CHOGM?
- International peace and security
- Good governance
- Trade
- Youth affairs
How are decisions made at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings?
By consensus.
What is the role of government ministers in Commonwealth Ministerial meetings?
Ministers responsible for foreign affairs, finance, law, youth, development, women’s affairs, health, and education meet to discuss issues and agree on areas for action.
What is the Ministerial Action Group?
A group that addresses serious violations of the Commonwealth’s shared principles.
How is the Ministerial Action Group composed?
It consists of a rotating group of 9 foreign ministers from different countries.
What is the Ministerial Action Group’s role in countries at risk of violating Commonwealth values?
They work with countries facing violations to restore democracy and constitutional rule.
What common inheritance did Commonwealth members previously share?
- The English language and culture
- Common law
- British systems of administration
How has the Commonwealth’s shared inheritance changed since WWII?
It has significantly changed as the Commonwealth evolved to represent a wider range of cultures, languages, and political systems.
How often are the Commonwealth Games held?
Every 4 years.
What is the Commonwealth Games often referred to as?
Mini Olympic Games.
What is the role of the British monarch (King Charles) in the Commonwealth today?
King Charles is only a symbolic figurehead.
What is the Commonwealth today?
A multicultural association of 56 independent countries, with GB as a permanent member, but no longer in a position to command.
How is foreign policy handled in the Commonwealth?
There is no clearly defined Commonwealth foreign policy due to the diversity of its members.
What does the Commonwealth focus on today?
The Commonwealth focuses on promoting health, education, and economic development through specialized schemes.
