Unit 2: How did Canada Really gain its Independence?

Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, Canada was slowly decreasing its reliance on the British Empire. In 1922, Turkey was pressuring Britain to withdraw its military from a Turkish town called Chanak. Instead, Britain sent more troops to defend its position, calling on Canada to send troops too. In a surprising response, Mackenzie King and the Canadian cabinet denied the request and did not send military support. This was an enormous step for Canada’s independence, as it had willingly followed Britain in the past without question. Canada also participated in the Balfour Declaration, making nations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada self-governing countries that are freely associated with Britain through the Commonwealth of Nations. In June of 1926, Mackenzie King was involved in a scandal with illegal alcohol importing, and wanted to hold an election before the public found out about the issue. Governor General Lord Byng however, denied his request. King was furious and immediately set restrictions on British influence on the Canadian government. This was extremely significant to Canada’s autonomy and set the path for Canadian society. In 1931 the British parliament passed the Statute of Westminister, which gave Canada and other commonwealth nations complete control over their relations with other countries. These changes that occurred throughout this era in Canada helped shape it as a flourishing nation, independent from Britain. Canada did not go to war for its independence, but it was earned through time and conflict such as the King-Byng affair, and the Chanak crisis.