Interwar Years 1919 - 39 - Relations with the Dominions

Question 1

What did the Dominions want after WW1?

Answer 1

Self control - complete independence especially South Africa and Canada

Question 2

Why had desire for self control in the Dominions increased?

Answer 2

Contributions in WW1 (militarily) - felt they deserved self control over everything including external affairs

Question 3

When was the concept of the Commonwealth first introduced?

Answer 3

1926 - Balfour Declaration - resulting from Imperial conference

Question 4

What happened in 1931 relating to the Dominions?

Answer 4

The Statute of Westminster

Question 5

What did the Statute of Westminster grant?

Answer 5

Some dominions should become independent - they would be free to pass their own laws

Question 6

Which countries were immediately given full independence?

Answer 6

Ireland, South Africa, Canada

Question 7

How did the Statute of Westminster weaken formal empire?

Answer 7

Contraction of imperial territory

Question 8

In what ways did the Statute of Westminster strengthen Empire?

Answer 8

Type of control changed - policy turned into informal Empire - was a way to maintain global influence, economic and political ties and cooperation - GB had allies as they had managed to retain good relationships

No costs of imperial rule!!!!!!