Mind’s On – Think Share

Mind’s On – Think Share • Make a quick list of aspects that make a nation ‘a nation’ • Discuss as a class

Canada’s Growing Autonomy How was this period key to Canada growing from colony to nation?

Although we are joined by culture, trade, and geography we are taking a different ideological path than the United States. • World War I was a major turning point for Canada in establishing who we are and our willingness to step out from Britain’s control. • In the 1920s Canada took major steps toward full autonomy, which is when a nation has complete control over its own affairs

Key Figure - William Lyon Mackenzie King • In 1921, Mackenzie King became Prime Minister. • He was determined to push for Canadian autonomy.

Creating Canada! Pg. 219 – 220 • Using Creating Canada, make a chart for each event that contributed to our autonomy (4 events in the book, but I’m going to add one more!) • Think of dates, key points and impact

(1) The Chanak Affair (1922) • Britain became involved in a conflict with Turkey at Chanak (small town that links the Aegean and Black Sea) • In 1922 Turkey threatened to take control of the area. • Britain sent troops and ships, and expected Canada to send troops to assist. • Impact: • PM King was convinced that Canadians did not want to be involved in a far-away European war again. • Also lets Britain know we are capable of handling our own policy

(2) The Halibut Treaty (1923) • Canada/USA came to an agreement on the fishing season for halibut in the Northern Pacific. • This matter was of no direct concern to Britain, but Britain had always signed treaties on Canada’s behalf. • PM King insisted that it be between Canada and the USA only. • Impact: Eventually Britain agreed and Canada won the right to sign treaties with a foreign country on their own.

(3) The King-Byng Crisis 1926 • King = PM Mackenzie King • Byng = Gov. Gen. Julian Byng

Byng refused to allow King to call an election when he wanted one. • King saw this as an abuse of power by the British government. • Impact: His goal was to clarify the role of the Gov Gen so that influence on government issues was with Canada, not Britain.

(4) The Balfour Report 1926 Impact: On King’s recommendations the following became official at the next Imperial Conference: • Dominions were declared “self-governing” • They were independent nations • They would no longer be called dominions of the British Empire • They agreed to remain part of the “Commonwealth of Nations” • The Gov. Gen. would only be a representative of the monarch and not British Parliament.

(5) Statute of Westminster 1931 • Dec 11th 1931 • British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster • This made the recommendations in the Balfour Report into law. • Impact: Canada was now completely self-governing. • Canada had its own laws. Britain could not nullify or make any laws for Canada.

Overall… • Canada and the USA became more “isolationist” in the 1920’s and 30’s. • They did not want to become entangled in foreign conflict. • PM King made it clear that Canada would determine its own foreign policy. • Canada’s interests were not always the same as Britain’s anymore.

Recall, Reflect, Respond • With a partner (but writing your own ideas in your notes) answer Question 1 on pg. 221 “We live in a fire-proof house, far from inflammable materials”

Wrap Up – Do I Understand? Thumbs Up! • Autonomy? • Canada vs. USA path to autonomy? • Canada’s maturity during/after WWI? • Who became Prime Minister? • Chanak Affair? • Halibut Treaty? • King-Byng Crisis? • Balfour Report? • Statute of Westminster?

Mind’s On – Think Share