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Civics 9 – Unit Sixteen The Commonwealth History of the Commonwealth The Commonwealth is made up of countries that were once colonized by Britain They decided to maintain links with each other after independence The British colonies were far apart but had these things in common Trade
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History of the Commonwealth • The Commonwealth is made up of countries that were once colonized by Britain • They decided to maintain links with each other after independence • The British colonies were far apart but had these things in common • Trade • Britain got most of its raw materials from its colonies • English was the official language • Education and local government was introduced • English systems of government and law were introduced • After the British Empire fell apart, most former colonies wanted to maintain links with each other and with Britain • The official website can be found here • Read more about the Commonwealth here
Membership and Aims of the Commonwealth • All former British colonies are members of the colony if they want to be • The Commonwealth includes countries such as: United Kingdom, Zambia, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Tanzania, South Africa, etc. • The aims of the Commonwealth • Promote international peace and security • Respect the right of liberty of the individual • Promote human equality and dignity • Encourage self-determination or independence • Encourage the values of non-racialism • Promote an equitable international society • Promote democratic governance
Organization of the Commonwealth • Head of States Conference • Attended by all heads of state of the member countries • The meeting is held every two years in different capital cities of the Commonwealth • Finance Ministers’ Conference • Meet annually to discuss the international economic situation • Takes place once every year • Commonwealth Secretariat • Performs most of the work of the Commonwealth • Prepares the agenda for meetings and reports for international affairs • The Secretary-General is the chief officer and the headquarters are in London • High Commissioners • Ambassadors between Commonwealth countries are called High Commissioners • For example, Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe is a High Commissioner
Benefits of the Commonwealth • Political cooperation • Exchange ideas on political affairs • Many countries are given diplomatic support by other members • Military cooperation • Member countries work together in defence matters • Many Commonwealth countries send their officers for training in Britain, Australia, Canada, and India • Commonwealth Parliamentary Association • Formed for member states to exchange information and visits are carried out between member countries on parliamentary affairs • Economic cooperation • Trade between Commonwealth countries is encouraged • Each country allows exports to other member countries at low tariffs
Organizations Under the Commonwealth • Commonwealth Development Corporation provides capital (money) for members’ development projects • British Ministry of Overseas Development provides technical and financial aid to member nations • Education cooperation through scholarships and education exchanges • Medical cooperation as doctors, nurses, and medical supplies are sent to various Commonwealth countries • Social and cultural cooperation through events such as the Commonwealth Games, a sports competition for member nations that occurs every four years • Read about the Commonwealth Games here
Questions • What is the Commonwealth? • What are the aims of the Commonwealth? • What are some of the benefits of the Commonwealth? • What were some things that British colonies had in common?
Answers • The Commonwealth is made up of former colonies of Britain who wanted to maintain links after independence. • The aims of the Commonwealth are to promote international peace and security, respect the right of individual liberty, promote human equality and dignity, encourage self-determination or independence, encourage non-racialism, promote an equitable international society, and promote democratic governance. • See the slide on the benefits of the Commonwealth • British colonies had trade, the English language, an English education system, and English systems of government and law in common.
Congratulations • Way to go! You have now finished the whole course. Good luck on your examinations.
