- First World War devastated Britain.
- 40% of Britain’s merchant fleet sunk and Britain had debt of 136% GDP.
- Colonies sent approximately 1.4 million men to fight for Empire between 1914-1918, supporting 5 million men from British Isles. Empire also supplied Britain with raw materials and food, ultimately playing huge part in victory, owing to policy of ‘imperial preference’ under Asquith.
- Increased Empire solidarity to an extent.
- In 1917, Lloyd George created Imperial War Cabinet to coordinate imperial military policy. Included Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Newfoundland, Agra and Oudh. Indian representatives also joined. Only held 2 meetings however and was criticised by Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes as it was dominated by British after peace negotiations regarding Australia were passed without discussions with the Australian government.
- The White Dominions praised for their war effort.
- Conscription was introduced in New Zealand in 1916 and Canada in 1917.
- The Australians and New Zealanders were applauded for their bravery in the Gallipoli campaign (1915) and the Canadians for their contribution in the battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.
- Canada also supplied Britain with munitions which the British army used a 1/3 of between 1917-18.
- 136,000 South African troops contributed to war effort.
- Many countries felt disillusioned by Britain, wanting less involvement from Empire.
- French Quebec regarded war as pro-British affair and in March 1918, there were protest riots against conscription.
- Australians also rejected conscription on two referendums, in October 1916 and again in December 1917 after troops were slaughtered at Gallipoli.
- Republican movement in South Africa grew.
- Chanak Crisis of 1922 where Canada declined to commit troops to support British in Istanbul.
- India contributed immensely and wanted rewards for it.
- 1/3 of troops in France in autumn of 1914 were either Indians or British soldiers who formerly served in India. 1.5 million volunteered. In 1917, Indian government contributed £100 million to war effort, nearly going bankrupt in the process.
- Indian National Congress became vocal and wanted independence for India. Montagu promised ‘responsible’ self-government for India. In 1919, Government of India Act was introduced.
- African countries contributed heavily to war and wanted rewards.
- Egypt turned into protectorate in 1914 and 1.2 million recruited to defend Egypt and Middle East. 100,000 Egyptians fought in Europe, 50% died.
- Black South Africans and from the tropical colonies recruited to France as labourers. Many died, i.e. fighting Germans in Tanganyika.
First Pan-African Congress held in France 1919 and delegations from South Africa in Versailles conference wanted concessions.