2. Dominions of the British Empire
Published by Campbell M Gold in Historical · Sunday 18 Aug 2024
Dominions of the British Empire
My Rise and Fall of Empires Series - Article #2
The term “Dominions of the British Empire” refers to several self-governing countries within the British Empire. These dominions evolved from colonies and gained varying self-governance from the late 19th century through the 1930s...
Overview of an Empire
Early Expansion (16th - 17th Century)
- Late 16th Century: The English began establishing overseas colonies in North America and the Caribbean with early efforts.
- 1585: The first English colony was established at Roanoke Island, although it ultimately failed.
- 1607: The successful establishment of Jamestown in Virginia marked the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Growth and Consolidation (18th Century)
- Colonial Wars: The British engaged in several conflicts, including the Anglo-Dutch Wars and the French and Indian War (1754-1763), which expanded their territories.
- 1763: The Treaty of Paris granted Britain control of Canada and Florida, establishing it as a dominant power in North America.
The American Revolution (1775-1783)
- Revolution: The colonies in North America revolted against British rule, leading to the American Revolutionary War.
- 1783: The Treaty of Paris recognised the independence of the United States, marking a significant loss for the British Empire.
Expansion and Industrial Revolution (19th Century)
- 19th Century: The Empire expanded rapidly, acquiring territories in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
- Colonisation of India: The British East India Company established control over large parts of India, leading to direct British rule after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Scramble for Africa: The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) formalised territorial claims in Africa, leading to significant British acquisitions.
World Wars and Decline After 1914
- World War I (1914-1918): The empire played a key role in the war but faced significant losses.
- Interwar Period: The empire began facing challenges from nationalist movements in various colonies.
- World War II (1939-1945): The war further weakened Britain economically and politically.
- Decolonisation: After the war, many colonies gained independence, starting with India in 1947.
End of the Empire (Post-1945)
- 1950s-1960s: Numerous territories in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia gained independence.
- 1970s: The process of decolonisation continued, with the last significant territory, Hong Kong, being handed back to China in 1997.
The British Empire was characterised by its vast territorial holdings and significant cultural, political, and economic influence worldwide. Its legacy is complex, with both positive contributions and negative impacts on colonised nations.
Dominions
The term “Dominions of the British Empire” refers to several self-governing countries within the British Empire.
These dominions evolved from colonies and gained varying self-governance from the late 19th century through the 1930s.
The Key Dominions
- Australia
- Canada
- Irish Free State
- New Zealand
- Newfoundland
- South Africa
These dominions were recognised as autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status to Great Britain, and not subordinate in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs.
The 1931 Statute of Westminster confirmed their complete legislative independence.
Later, India, Pakistan, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) also temporarily became dominions.
Over time, “dominion” was replaced by “Commonwealth Realm” as the British Empire transitioned into the "Commonwealth of Nations."
Country - From - To - Reason for an end to the Dominion
Canada - 1867-1953 - Continues as a Commonwealth realm and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Australia - 1901-1953 - Continues as a Commonwealth realm and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
New Zealand - 1907-1953 - Continues as a Commonwealth realm and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Newfoundland - 1907-1949 - After governance reverted to direct control from London in 1934, it became a province of Canada under the British North America Act, 1949 (now the Newfoundland Act), passed in the UK parliament on 31 March 1949, before the London Declaration of 28 April 1949.
South Africa - 1910-1953 - Became a republic in 1961 under the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act, 1961, passed by the Parliament of South Africa, the long title "To constitute the Republic of South Africa and to provide for matters incidental to it", assented to 24 April 1961 to come into operation on 31 May 1961.
Irish Free State (1922-1937) - In 1937, the Irish Free State was renamed Éire in Irish or Ireland in English. From 1937 to 1949, the British government referred only to the territory as "Eire" and not Ireland, even in English.
Eire (1937-1949) - 1922-1949 - The link with the monarchy ceased with the passage of the Republic of Ireland Act 1948, which came into force on 18 April 1949 and declared the state a republic.
India - 1947-1950 - The Union of India (with the addition of Sikkim) became a federal republic after its constitution was enacted on 26 January 1950.
Pakistan - 1947-1956 - It became a republic in 1956 under the name "The Islamic Republic of Pakistan." Constitution of 1956.
Ceylon - 1948-1953 - It continued as a Commonwealth realm until 1972, when it became a republic under the name of Sri Lanka.
Note
The term "dominion" fell into disuse after 1953 when they became known as "realms". Three Dominions continue as Commonwealth Realms.
The Final Three "Dominions" that continue as "Commonwealth Realms"
1. Canada (became a dominion in 1867)
2. Australia
3. New Zealand (became a dominion in 1907)
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