Canada's Independence

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

Outlined peace terms between the allies who won the war and the Germans. The Major points held Germany accountable for starting the war, included reparation payments, and also the demilitarization of German forces. Canada was allowed to attend the meeting and sign as a separate country from Britain. This showed Canada’s importance to the victory of the allied forces. It also showed Canada’s independence, and how the country can take care of itself.

League of Nations

Jan 10, 1920

The purpose of the League of Nations was to have an international group of representatives from many countries with the goal of maintaining world peace. Prime Minister Robert Borden got Canada a seat on the League, separate from Britain’s seat. The League of Nations was a huge step towards world peace, and Canada getting their separate set shows the entire world that Canada is separate from Britain and is an independent nation that is not under British command.

Chanak Crisis

1922

Britain and Turkey were arguing over a Turkish threat to take over the Chanak area, which was originally occupied by British troops as per the treaty of Versailles. Britain asked Canada to send in military support in case of a war. The British King said that only Canada could decide whether or not to send troops. Canada was given the right to choose how they want to interact with foreign countries. Canada would make its own decisions concerning foreign affairs and policies

Halibut Treaty

Mar 2, 1923

Agreement about Halibut fishing season in the North Pacific Ocean between Canada and the United States. The British King wanted Canada to sign the treaty on their own without the assistance of Britain. Canada won the right to sign treaties with a foreign country without any interference from Britain, which was a huge change from how things worked before.

Imperial Conference

Oct 1, 1923

These were meetings between Britain and its Dominions, where dominions often asked for more independence. This imperial conference was regarding PM Mackenzie King’s independent signing of the halibut treaty. This conference publicly approved the PM’s independent signing of the Halibut treaty without Britain. Canada was apart of a treaty with another foreign country aside from Britain and outside of Britain’s command. This was the first treaty between Canada alone and another country,

King-Byng Crisis

1926

Prime minister Mackenzie King wanted another election, but the Governor-General refused. Eventually, an election had to be called, and King won, saying he was overrun by the British Governor-General. He said that Britain was interfering with Canada too much. No governor General has publically refused the prime minister since. King publicly talked about Canada’s independence as a nation separate from Britain, and since he got elected, this asserted the mindset of many Canadians.

Balfour Report

1926

Imperial Conference King wanted British Dominions to have the right to make their own decisions on foreign policies without British interference. The report declared that Canada was a self-governing independent nation. Canada remained under the British Commonwealth, which are various nations united by their allegiance to the British monarch The report that was now formally requested, would essentially make Canada its own nation, with its own government, laws, and foreign affairs.

Statute of Westminister

1931

The British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, making the Balfour Report Law. The British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, making the Balfour Report Law. The Balfour Report was officially granted by Britain. Canada was completely self-governing and could make its own laws.
Canada and other colonies could not self-govern. Canada was a huge reason why the other dominions could now be more independent.