Dominion Status

Definition

Dominion status refers to a semi-autonomous political status granted to certain British colonies, including Canada, that allowed them to govern themselves while remaining part of the British Empire. This status marked a significant step towards full legislative independence, allowing these dominions to have their own parliaments and control over domestic affairs, while Britain retained authority over foreign relations and military matters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dominion status was officially recognized for Canada in 1867 with the British North America Act, which created the Dominion of Canada.
2. While dominions had self-governing powers, they still relied on Britain for issues related to defense and foreign policy until the Statute of Westminster changed this relationship.
3. The concept of dominion status allowed countries like Canada to gradually evolve into fully independent nations while still retaining ties to the British Empire.
4. During World War I and World War II, Canada's contributions as a dominion helped solidify its identity and push for greater autonomy from Britain.
5. By the mid-20th century, dominion status began to fade as countries sought complete independence, leading to a shift towards recognizing full sovereignty within the Commonwealth.

Review Questions

• How did dominion status influence Canada's development as a self-governing entity within the British Empire?
  • Dominion status allowed Canada to exercise self-governance and establish its own parliamentary system while still being part of the British Empire. This arrangement enabled Canada to create laws tailored to its unique needs and circumstances. However, it also meant that issues like foreign relations were still controlled by Britain, which limited Canada's full autonomy. Over time, this status set the stage for Canada to pursue greater independence.
• Discuss the changes that occurred with respect to dominion status after the Statute of Westminster 1931.
  • The Statute of Westminster 1931 marked a turning point in Canada's relationship with Britain by granting full legislative independence to dominions like Canada. With this act, Canadian laws could be enacted without needing British approval, significantly enhancing Canada's sovereignty. As a result, Canada began to establish its own identity on the world stage and asserted more control over foreign affairs, paving the way for future diplomatic independence.
• Evaluate the implications of Canada's transition from dominion status to full sovereignty in relation to its national identity and international standing.
  • The transition from dominion status to full sovereignty significantly impacted Canada's national identity and international standing. As Canada moved towards independence, it began to cultivate a distinct national identity separate from British colonial influences. This shift enabled Canada to engage more fully in international affairs and assert itself as an independent nation on platforms such as the United Nations. The change also reflected broader trends of decolonization and self-determination occurring globally during the mid-20th century, reinforcing Canada's role as an active participant in shaping its future.

Related terms

Statute of Westminster 1931: An act that established legislative independence for the dominions of the British Empire, allowing them to make their own laws without requiring approval from the British Parliament.

British North America Act 1867: The act that created the Dominion of Canada, uniting the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia under a federal system of government.

Commonwealth Realm: A political association of sovereign states that are all members of the Commonwealth of Nations, sharing a common allegiance to the British monarch.