Canada’s Growing Independence after World War 1

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

A significant peace treaty that was signed and brought WW1 to an end, forming a truce between Germany and the Allied Forces. Canada signed the treaty separately which acted as a step of recognition for the country's independent importance in the war.

League of Nations

Jun 28, 1919

An international organization that was formed with the sole purpose of maintaining world peace and enhancing the concept behind the Treaty of Versailles. It is here when the Canadians were given their own membership to the organization which acted as yet another element towards the advancement of the country's national status

Chanak Crisis

Sep 30, 1922

An incident that broke out in Chanak in Turkey where Turks were threatening the British Troops that were stationed in the strait linking the Mediterranean to the Black sea. Britain called the Canadians's assistance but the Prime Minister delayed sending any troops by stating that consultation with the Parliament would be first required. This signaled Canada's growing independence from Britain as they did not need to be in war under Britain's command.

Halibut Treaty

Mar 2, 1923

A fishing treaty between United States and Canada without the involvement of Britain. Therefore,Britain lost control over Canada, illustrating Canada's ability to move forward as its own representative.

1923 Imperial Conference

Oct 1, 1923

Imperial Conferences were meetings which brought together Britain and its Dominions. In the twenties these conferences were increasingly forums in which the Dominions, and especially Canada, insisted on greater independence from the mother country, England.

King-Byng Crisis

Sep 14, 1925

A constitutional crisis in which Governor General Byng refused a request from Prime Minister Mackenzie King to call an election. After arguing that the British were interfering in the affairs of a sovereign country, the role of the governor general had to be redefined which led to the decision of giving the Prime minister of Dominions the right to make choices without the need to get approvals from the British Generals.
In other words, Canada was given the right to make its own decisions.

Balfour Report

Oct 19, 1926

A landmark document which declared that Britain and its Dominions were constitutionally equal to one another. This confirmed Canada's complete independence from Britain. Canada was only united to Britain and the other former Dominions as equal members of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Statute of Westminster

Dec 11, 1931

It was a British law clarifying the powers of Canada's Parliament and those of the other Commonwealth Dominions. Lord Balfour, Britain's foreign minister, suggested that all Dominions be granted full autonomy. The Statute granted Canada independence from British regulations and the freedom to pass, amend and repeal laws within a legal system.