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The Battle of Vimy Ridge
After french soldiers suffered a major lost in numbers, Canadian soldiers were then given the responsibility of finishing the job which was getting through the Germans and claiming a section of Vimy Ridge. This was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps came together and fought like one nation to successfully overcome the Germans which was seen as the greatest victory of any army during the war at the time. -
The Paris Peace Conference
A meeting was called in Versailles to conclude the end of the war and establish peace amongst Germany, Britain, France, Russia, Canada and the other allied nations. Canada was able to gain a seat at this conference as well as PM Borden signing the treaty on behalf of the entire British Empire. -
Chanak Affair
Britain, France and Greece all obtained large parts of western Turkey due to Turkeys defeat in WW1. Britain had troops of their own protecting the strait (mediterranean to the black sea) and needed Canada’s help to provide them with soldiers to defend against Turkey. PM King decided that only Canadian parliament could decide on such matters. This lead to Canada showing that they could make their own decisions without having Britain overrule them entirely. -
The Halibut Treaty
In order to help protect halibut stocks on the Northwest Coast of North America, Canada and the United States decided to try and negotiate a treaty which would help preserve fish in the area. However, Canada wanted to pursue this treaty agreement without the involvement of Britain as they thought it was not any of Britain’s concern to want to be involved in the situation. -
The Balfour Report
The Balfour Report had stated that each Dominion (including Canada) of the British Empire was to be seen as an autonomous nation who was equal amongst each other as well as Britain. The PM of Canada and South America were the first to initiate this act. This allowed Canada to be seen as independent who were equal amongst all the other Dominions as well as Britain as there only tie to Britain was through the Commonwealth. -
The King-Byng Crisis
The King-Byng crisis involved the Prime Minister of Canada and the Governor General. The Governor refused to accept King’s request on wanting to dissolve parliament and call for an election which caused chaos within parliament as King then resigned and Conservatives were formed as a minority government under the leader Arthur Meighen. Another election was later called where King regained his spot as Prime Minister due to his focus on nationalism. -
The Statute of Westminster
The Statute of Westminster occurred upon the request by the Dominions where a British law was passed further clarifying the powers of each nation. Former British colonies were given complete legal freedom and independence towards governing their own nations. This allowed Canada to make decisions on their behalf without having Britain overrule them and interfere with the way they were to govern themselves.