Microsoft Word maps-in-time doc

Geopolitical changes from 1930 to 1939 
Changes to the British Empire began to take place during this period. The 
dominions of Canada, Ireland and South Africa moved towards independence, 
but remained within the British Commonwealth. Germany, Italy and Japan 
were expanding powers, and began to annex surrounding territory or overseas 
possessions. They went on to form the Axis Powers in the Second World War. 
Africa 
South Africa:
As part of the Statute of Westminster in 1931, the Union of 
South Africa and its League of Nations mandated territory, South West Africa, 
effectively gain independence from Britain. 
East Africa:
In 1936 the existing Italian colonies of Italian Somaliland, Eritrea 
and the newly occupied Abyssinia, merge to form Italian East Africa. 

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America 
Canada:
The 1931 Statute of Westminster recognises Canadian independence 
and forms the basis for later negotiations over the legal position of British 
Dominions. 
Nicaragua:
In 1933 the US ceases to occupy Nicaragua and allows it to 
function as an independent state. 
Haiti:
In 1934 the US ends its occupation of Haiti, allowing it to function as an 
independent state again. 
Asia and Australasia 
Manchuria:
In 1931, following the Mukden incident, Japan invades and 
occupies Manchuria. 
Burma:
The British governed Burma through their Indian colonial 
administration until 1937, when it becomes a self-governing British colony. 

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Phoenix Islands:
In 1937 the existing British colony on the Phoenix Islands is 
added to the British Crown colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.