| Abstrakt: |
Abstract: The Great War was a milestone not just in world history, but also in terms of constitutional relations between London and autonomous parts of the British Empire. Dominions, which were considered "sister" nations of the Imperial Commonwealth endeavoured to acquire international recognition as a result of their war efforts. Participation of the dominions at discussions in Paris, membership of the new international organization, the LEague of Nations, involvement in the administration of mandated territories and co-signature of the Treaty of Versailles gave rise to euphoria amongst the overseas representatives who saw it as the recognition of their formal independence and new international status that they desired. The war years and the course of the Paris Peace Conference confirmed that the dominions could no longer be regarded as ordinary "colonies" or dependent territories. The first World War and post-war developments generally boosted the trend for dominions to set out on the road to a wider concept of autonomy and more intensive co-operation within the British Empire. |
