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

2. CANADA’S GROWING AUTONOMY
How was this period key to Canada growing
from colony to nation?

3. 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

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

5. 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
Event
Date
Key Pts.
Impacts

6. (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

7. (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.

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

9. 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.

10. (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.

12. (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.

13. 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.

14. 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”

15. 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?