What did the Statute of Westminster 1931 grant to the dominions of the British Empire, including Canada?

Study for the Ontario Grade 10 History Exam. Prepare with quizzes and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your test now!

The Statute of Westminster, passed in 1931, was a pivotal piece of legislation that provided significant autonomy to the dominions of the British Empire, including Canada. It granted these dominions the ability to make their own laws without needing approval from the British Parliament, effectively giving them a legislative independence that was previously not fully realized.

Under this statute, while the dominions gained greater control over their domestic affairs, the statute did not grant complete independence in all matters. For instance, they were still considered part of the British Empire and some powers—particularly those linked to foreign policy and the ability to amend the British North America Act—were still shared with the United Kingdom.

Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the autonomy in domestic affairs that was provided by the Statute of Westminster, reflecting a significant move towards self-governance while not severing all ties to Britain. This nuanced level of autonomy marked an important step in the evolution of Canada's and other dominions' independence from British control.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy