British Empire League facts for kids
Founder Lord Avebury
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| Predecessor | Imperial Federation League |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1895 |
| Founder | Lord Avebury |
| Dissolved | 1955 |
| Purpose | Unity for the British Empire |
| Headquarters | London, England, U.K. |
The British Empire League was an organization that existed from 1895 to 1955. Its main goal was to keep the British Empire united and strong. It worked to connect different parts of the Empire, like Canada and Australia, with Britain.
Contents
How It Started
The British Empire League was created in London in 1895. It was founded by important people like Lord Avebury, Lord Roberts, and Lord Strathcona. Their aim was to make sure the British Empire stayed together forever. This new group took over from an older one called the Imperial Federation League, which had stopped working in 1893.
Many well-known leaders were part of the League. Some presidents included Lord Derby and the Duke of Devonshire. Important vice-presidents were Bonar Law and Arthur Balfour.
Later, in 1947, the League joined forces with another group called the Commonwealth Industries Association. It kept its original name until 1955, when it finally ended.
What the League Did
The British Empire League was involved in several important activities.
Supporting the Military
The League helped to gather soldiers during the Second Boer War and the First World War. This support was important for the British military efforts during these major conflicts.
Ideas for the Empire
The League often presented its ideas at special meetings called Imperial Conferences. These meetings brought together leaders from across the British Empire.
- Between 1897 and 1911, the League suggested having an imperial penny post. This would mean sending letters across the Empire would cost the same low price.
- Later, the League pushed for preferential tariffs. This meant having special trade rules that would make it cheaper to buy and sell goods within the Empire.
- At the 1932 British Empire Economic Conference, the League strongly argued for protecting the British film industry. They wanted to make sure British movies were popular and successful.
Activities in Other Countries
The League was also very active in British dominions, which were self-governing countries within the Empire.
- In Australia, Francis Bertie Boyce became the first president of the British Empire League in 1901.
- In Canada, George T. Denison was the first president of the League.
Celebrating Empire Day
The League strongly promoted celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday on May 24th as a patriotic holiday. In Australia, this day became a chance for schools and the wider public to show their loyalty to Britain. This holiday, called Empire Day, was officially recognized by the Australian government in 1905. It was celebrated for more than 50 years.
The League also sponsored a monthly magazine in Australia called United Australia. Its cover showed Britannia, a symbol of Britain, and the motto "One people one destiny." This showed the League's goal of a strong and united Empire.
