Countries Never Part of the British Empire but with Strong Ties to Britain

When discussing nations with historical ties to the British Empire, Australia often comes to mind, but there are several countries that were never colonies of Britain but still maintain strong connections to the United Kingdom. These places are noteworthy members of the Commonwealth, an association of free and equal states that share a historical relationship with the UK.

Peculiarities of the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth, established in the aftermath of World War II and the dissolution of the British Empire, includes nations that were never formally colonized by Britain but have nonetheless developed close political, economic, and cultural ties. This article will explore four such countries: Gabon, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Togo.

Gabon, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Togo: Nations Without British Colonial History

Gabon, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Togo are the last four countries to join the Commonwealth that had no historical ties to the British Empire. Their accession to the Commonwealth is significant because it underscores the flexibility and inclusivity of this political association, which values shared values and historical connections rather than merely colonial heritage.

Australia: A Common Myths and Facts

Australia, often brought up as an example, is in fact different. While it is a founding member of the Commonwealth, Australia did have a colonial history in the sense that it consisted of several British territories. The key point to remember is that these territories were historically within the British Empire and subsequently federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

British Colonial Divisions in Australia

Here’s a breakdown of how Australia was divided and governed under British rule:

New South Wales: Established in 1788, New South Wales also included New Zealand and Van Diemen's Land (modern-day Tasmania). Separate Crown Colonies: Van Diemen's Land: Became a separate colony in 1825. South Australia: Formed as a province in 1834 and became a colony in 1856. New Zealand: Declared a colony in 1841. Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania: Became separate colonies in 1851, 1859, and 1856, respectively. Federation: In 1901, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory (along with other minor territories) federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

This historical context shows that while Australia has a significant connection to the United Kingdom, its evolution into the Commonwealth is due to a series of political and administrative changes within the British Empire rather than the acquisition of an entirely new territory.

Conclusion

So, while Australia maintains strong ties with the United Kingdom, it is important to distinguish between its historical ties to the British Empire and its status as a Commonwealth nation. Four countries that have joined the Commonwealth in recent years, namely Gabon, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Togo, exemplify the association's inclusion of nations with no historical connection to the British Empire but with close ties to the United Kingdom.