Journal s20451's Journal: Lord Tundnerin' Jesus! 6
Interesting fact for today.
As all good Canadian schoolchildren know, the Province of Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949. What most good Canadian schoolchildren do not know is that, from 1907 to 1934, Newfoundland had the status of an independent Dominion in the British empire, effectively an independent nation, and legally equivalent to Canada at the time.
Newfoundland exchanged British rule for Dominion status on September 26, 1907, simultaneously with New Zealand. Due to the financial hardships and political crises imposed by the Great Depression, the Newfoundland government agreed to suspend its Dominionship on February 16, 1934, and revert to British rule, becoming the only British dominion to surrender its status.
During that time, Newfoundland had ten Prime Ministers, starting with Edward Patrick Morris and ending with Frederick C. Alderice.
The precise legal definition of "Dominion" leaves some question as to Newfoundland's true independence. Dominions were self-governing entities that were entitled to organize their own militaries and pursue their own trade relations, but that were not entitled to pursue an independent foreign policy from Great Britain. Over time, the definition evolved to the point of the Balfour declaration of 1926, which stated that the dominions "are autonomous Communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth". Although the Balfour declaration left little doubt about the independence of the Dominions, formal de jure independence was finally realized by the Statute of Westminster in 1931, but Newfoundland never ratified it before reverting to British rule.
Thus, de facto if not de jure, Newfoundland was an independent nation prior to confederation with Canada, making it the only Canadian provice that was at one time a nation. How do you like them apples, Quebec?
And finally, a trivia question. Which US states were independent before achieving statehood? I can think of three; there might be more. (My answer is in the comments.)
Three Formerly Independent States (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
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According to this [wikipedia.org], the organizers of the California Republic were ignorant of the simultaneous Mexican-American war, and immediately agreed to join the USA once they heard the news.
The Rock (Score:1)
Your post headline screamed 'Newfoundlander.'
I find it poignant that Canada Day coincides with Memorial day in NL. Found that out on Rick Mercer's blog.
I strongly suspect that Harper is a better political strategist than many people credit. I wouldn't be surprised at all if other groups start getting House motions passed recognizing them as nations. This could be a dangerous game in the long run, or it could defuse the situation entirely. Time will tell.
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Actually I'm from Alberta. To my great shame, Newfoundland is the only province I've never visited. But I met plenty of newfies when I was in the military -- fun people.
So, what does this all mean now? (Score:2)
So, what does this mean now? Are you in favor of, say, the Cascadia movement? What would you think of Texas or Vermont seceding? There are significant rumblings in each state about that idea. Many Vermonters even have those oval white stic