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British Colonization and the fabric of the Commonwealth

In order to learn about British colonization, is it important to understand the commonwealth. It is a popular term used to describe the exterior sovereignties associated with the British Empire pre, during and post-colonization. Above all, each country has its own, tailored relationship with the mother country. The overall objective of having such a regime is to achieve international economic prosperity for both nations involved. Considering this, many countries, such as Ireland and Jamaica, have decided to leave the British Commonwealth. Those who decide to stay within the realm of the commonwealth choose to do so voluntarily. Some have decided to the leave due to declaration of economic exploitation, a feeling shared amongst the previously mentioned nations as well as many African nations. Many were involved in the act of slavery, a condition that has since been abolished but whose effects still linger. In view of many nation’s will to leave, and some to stay, the overall aim of the commonwealth is to stay intact, for reasons of economic and democratic prosperity.

Modern Commonwealth

The British Commonwealth self describes as, “a voluntary association of 54 independent countries, almost all of which were formerly under British rule.” In the description, the government recognizes the ebbing and flowing of nations and cultures, and how this could effect the lasting relationship between the British government and opposing nations. To be part of the Commonwealth is to be an independent nation with ties to British government. While some have decided to stay in relation to the British, others have chosen to leave freely and completely. Ireland is an example of a nation who chose to leave Canada is an example who chose to stay. while Though head of the commonwealth was made during King George IV’s era, thus appointing him as Head of the Commonwealth, the position is not inherited genetically. The newest head of the Commonwealth is King Charles.

Commonwealth vs Territories

The Commonwealth is compromised of 54 nations. The United Kingdom currently claims 14 territories. These should not be confused with one another. The 14 territories share lawful ties with the United Kingdom and are not independent nations as countries part of the Commonwealth are. In such territories, the United Kingdom, “has responsibility for the foreign relations, security, defense, and good governance of the OTs and their people.”

The London Declaration of 1949

The London Declaration of 1949 changed the route of the contemporary British Commonwealth. Redrawing the issue at hand, The Modern Law Review states in its Reports of Committees states, “In April 1949, the Commonwealth Prime Ministers produced a declaration which may well prove to be one of the great constitutional documents of modern times, but which is certain to prove despair of constitutional theorists.” At this point in time, Britain faced a multitude of nations who wished to part ways with the British Government, including India, Canada, etc.. The concept of “free association” with the crown was thus implemented and constitutional adjustments in those nations were to go into effect.

Education in the Commonwealth Territories

Apart from exploring the economic realm of new countries is that of educational opportunity. The vast exchange of cultures made way for the blending of knowledge. It is worth bearing in mind that English superiority made this path difficult for those colonized, and the dominant nature of the British empire overshadowed the education systems in the submissive nation’s. Most importantly was the adoption of the English language, and the confusion brought upon the submissive nation’s cultural identity. Almost uniformly, upon colonization, the goal was to influence British culture and Christianity among the people. By introduction of religion and lavish lifestyle of the British, “It made them amalgamation of two or more tendencies, appropriation and absorption of the colonizers/imperialists culture in one hand and criticism on their natives’ culture on the other hand.” (Khan 2018) The push and pull of what felt like a decision needed to be made by the native population is what ultimately paved the way for current circumstances: a myriad of hybrid nations. Though this segment focused mainly on that of education and religion, the situation at hand goes much further. The legal systems made among these countries aren’t as unified, each British-Colonizer relationship creating their personal attributes and personality.

Ireland

To describe the efforts of British Imperialism in a few paragraphs does not do justice to its multiple players. Ireland is England’s first extraneous territory, conquered with the hopes of being an economically beneficial facet of the British Commonwealth. Their relationship is a perfect one to examine, as it can be studied as a subject of pre-colonialism and post-colonialism. The two sovereignties' complicated relationship have reached, in Feron’s (2014) regard, a rather peaceful ending, one that will continue to grow in an ever positive light despite a rough history. The Irish example is also unique in that it is a European territory today, whereas the majority of British territorial counterparts are found in the African, Caribbean and Asian states. Similarly, however, what can be factually stated is that of unresolved turmoil post colonization. Accounts of Irish-English relations have proved to be bitter, and though ameliorates by each year, is still subpar. (Feron 2014)

African Nations and the Commonwealth

Though there was certainly a British presence in the African Continent, it does not remain as of 2022. Social Development in the Commonwealth In light of possessing these territories for the sake of economic prosperity, the state also puts effort into the social aspect. Upon the remaining territories, the British government reflects upon their economic successes, and realizes the importance of their overseas communities in this ever changing world. “Social Development in British Overseas Territories,” a publication released by the Royal Society of Arts in 1958, is presented as a discussion between British lawmakers and politicians. The majority of the text, written by Advisor on Social Welfare to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. W. H. Chinn advocates for the social development of Britain’s respective colonies. In all, there have been major revisions in legislation and intent when it comes to the Commonwealth. None of it is resolute and it will continue to be ever changing. Law in the Commonwealth There are various methods of law that Britain has imposed upon its colonies to make what is known as the British Commonwealth. Due to this wide array of British international judicial systems, there is extensive judicial research on a number of territories such as Australia, India and Natal. The amount of information expresses the proficiency under which the colonies were governed. The type of law used in cases of criminal justice as well as the differences in law classification amongst British dominions are quite complicated, each dominion having their own algorithm for rule. Though most adopted that of Common Law, there are notable territories that Britain has deemed fit in maintaining civil law, or even a hybrid version of the land’s existing law. (Arnot 1907) It is up to the individual to decide whether or not this was a suitable form of governance, as the outcomes widely varied.

Canada

Britain colonized and occupied Canada for a vast period of time. There were troubled relations between British territory and those surrounding it. Other nations such as the United States as well as indigenous ones. Apart from security issues, there were economic ones tied to Britain's relationship with its newfound territory. After official colonization in 1497, these issues would continue on for centuries. In 1867, Britain chose to keep this territory as a dominion, separate from that of the Commonwealth. As Canada expanded, Britain did in turn, and their relationship grew evermore complicated. This North American dominion did not share equal stature with other Commonwealth nations. In 1931, the Statute of Westminster gave the nation political, legal and social autonomy, completely separate from that of the British Government. Though this gave Canada free reign over oneself, adoption of a Canadian Constitution would not occur until 1982.

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