Commonwealth Info
The Beginning - A White Man's Club
Most of the countries in the Commonwealth were once ruled by Britain. This is why English is the common language. In 1931, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa (which had once been ruled by Britain, but were now independent) decided to join Britain in a club called the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Birth of the Modern Commonwealth
India and Pakistan became independent after a long struggle against Britain. In 1947, India decided that it also wanted to stay in the Commonwealth as a a republic and agreed to accept the British King or Queen as a symbol. The word "British" was dropped and the Commonwealth became "a free association of independent nations". The modern multi-racial Commonwealth was born.
First Black African Country Joins
In 1957, Ghana, in west Africa, became independent of British rule. Its leader Kwame Nkrumah decided to join the Commonwealth. In the 1960s and 1970s, many other countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific became independent. Some had fought wars for their freedom, Yet almost all joined the Commonwealth.
Fighting Against Racism
In 1961, South Africa left the Commonwealth because of its racist policies of apartheid. In 1971, Commonwealth leaders agreed to work for racial justice and supported the struggle of South Africans against white minority rule. The Commonwealth strongly opposes racism.
Talking to Each Other
In 1965, the Commonwealth Secretariat in London became the headquarters of the Commonwealth. This encouraged the member countries to talk to each other and help those who needed it. Although the Secretariat is based in the UK, the people who work there come from all parts of the Commonwealth.
Other Countries Join
In the 1990s, countries which had never been ruled by Britain also joined the Commonwealth. Namibia joined in 1990 and Cameroon and Mozambique joined in 1995.
Freedom for South Africa
In 1994, South Africa returned to the Commonwealth, as a multi-race democracy, under the leadership of Nelson Mandela. He famously said "The Commonwealth makes the world safe for diversity". This means that the Commonwealth is a good example of how different people from different countries can work together for good outcomes.
The 21st Century and Beyond...
Many other countries with different cultures, languages and faiths now want to be part of the Commonwealth club. Big countries, small countries, rich countries and poorer countries are all treated the same. Quite an achievement, indeed.
The Commonwealth Games - A Friendly Sport
Sport is a good way of showing friendship and togetherness which is important to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Games were first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada. They are held every four years, the last being held in Melbourne, Australia in 2006 and the next being held in New Delhi, India in 2010.