What year did the Statute of Westminster come into effect?

The Statute of Westminster, enacted in 1931, was a landmark piece of legislation in the legal status of the British Empire, marking a significant step towards legislative independence for the dominions, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This statute effectively allowed these dominions to have full control over their own laws and legislative processes without needing approval from the British Parliament.

The year 1931 is significant because it established a new framework for constitutional relationships within the empire, symbolizing the move towards greater autonomy and self-governance for the dominions. This was an important milestone in the evolution of these nations from colonies to independent states, although it did not grant full independence in every sense, as some legislative ties to Britain remained.

Other years listed in the choices do not correspond to the Statute of Westminster. For instance, 1926 relates to the Balfour Declaration, which asserted the autonomy of dominions but did not have the legal standing of the Statute. The years 1939 and 1945 are associated with the Second World War, which further impacted the political landscapes of British dominions but are not relevant to the enactment of the Statute. Thus, the correct understanding of the Statute