The second world war has brought about considerable changes in the British Commonwealth of Nations. These changes are, to a great extent, the further evolution of a process which began early in those colonies now called Dominions. The dependent status given to the colonists did not satisfy them for long. Agitation for self-government began early in the nineteenth century and, as a result of immigration from European countries and the example of the United States, became so widespread that it was granted during the second half of the century. Once the colonies obtained a degree of self-government, a reaction set in, motivated by economic considerations, which prevented the urge for independence from ending in separation from England. The colonists were content with jurisdiction over local affairs, to which later had to be added some rights in the regulation of their foreign commerce. The major aspects of foreign policy and defense remained within England's bailiwick. But as the colonies grew into “adulthood” they claimed a share in this last monopoly of the mother country also.
Post-independent mainline churches in Africa (1975-2000)
