Statue of Westminister Flashcards
1
Q
What is autonomy?
A
- Autonomy: The right to control your own affais through self-gov
1. Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF - Canadian Militray)
2. CEF were not split up and integrated with British (rather, they fought as a Canadian unit)
3. CEF victories in important battles (such as VImy Ridge)
4. The successful role Canada played in WWI allowed PM Borden to fight for Canada’s autonomy at the end of WWI
Next Big Step to Autonomy: Recognition on International Stage
- Earned its own seat at the Paris Peace Conference
- Canada signed the Treaty of Versailles
- Earned a seat in the League of Nations
Note: All 3 of these events recognized Canada as a independent nation-state (not a colony of Britain)
2
Q
What was the Chanak Crisis of 1922?
A
- Britain sent troops to Turkey
Feared Turkey might occupy the port of Chnak and attack Europe - PM Mackenzie King told Britain they would not send troops
Note: This showed increasing independence from Britain and Canada begins to make their own decisions
3
Q
What was the King/Byng Crisis?
A
- 1925 Election Controversy
- PM King asked Governor Genral Byng to call another election
Gov. Gen. Byng refused
Eventually, election took place (1926) but only after non-confidence vote
PM King told all Canadians it was undemocatic for a British Gov. Gen. to not follow wishes of Candian PM
King won
4
Q
What was the Balfour Report of 1926?
A
- Imperial Conference → all dominions (former colonies) requested autonomy
- Lord Balfour (British) examined request and agreed
- Balfour report: Acknowledged that dominions were autonomous from Britain
Gov. Gen. simply a representative
Led to the Statue of Westminster
5
Q
What was the Statue of Westminister?
A
- Statue of Westminster: Recognized Canada as completely free and sovereign autonomous nation following the Balfour Report
- The right to amend (change) Canada’s Constitution was given solely to Britain
Lasted until the Constitution Act was passed in 198
