Vintage 1928 Commonwealth 200 years 1728 to 1928 J.S Fry tin rare!!

Vintage 1928 commemorative commonwealth 200 years 1728 to 1928 J.S.Fry tin rare!! This aluminum tin was probably given away as a sample tin. Some age related wear. A great piece of history

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11 cm square

4 cm tall

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The period from 1728 to 1928 saw the evolution of the British Empire into the British Commonwealth, a transition from imperial rule to a looser association of self-governing nations marked by growing autonomy for Dominions like Canada and Australia, culminating in the 1926 Imperial Conference and the subsequent Balfour Declaration that recognized the equal status of the United Kingdom and its Dominions. This era shifted from direct colonial administration to a voluntary partnership based on shared heritage and principles, laying the groundwork for the modern Commonwealth of Nations.

Key Developments (1728-1928):

18th Century: Foundations of Empire

Colonial Expansion: Britain's influence expanded significantly in North America, India, and Australia during the 18th century, forming the initial framework of the future Commonwealth.

American Revolution (1775-1783): The loss of the American colonies highlighted the challenges of maintaining distant territories and hinted at a new model of relationship with colonies.

19th Century: The Rise of the Dominions

Responsible Government: Ideas from the Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution inspired movements for greater self-governance within British colonies, particularly in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Imperial Conferences: From 1887, leaders from the developing Dominions began attending conferences with Britain, a crucial step in fostering a sense of shared identity and common interests.

Confederation: Significant steps toward self-government occurred, such as the Confederation of Canada in 1867 and Australia's Federation in 1901, marking them as semi-independent Dominions.

Early 20th Century: Towards Equality

World War I (1914-1918): The contributions of the Dominions in the war significantly boosted their claims for greater recognition and autonomy.

1926 Imperial Conference: This pivotal meeting established the principle of equality of status between the UK and the Dominions (Australia, Canada, Irish Free State, Newfoundland, New Zealand, and South Africa).

Balfour Declaration (1926): This declaration formalized the understanding that the Dominions were autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status, though united by common allegiance to the Crown.

Transition to the Commonwealth:

By 1928, the Dominions had effectively achieved self-governance, marking the end of direct imperial control in favor of a voluntary association, the core of what would become the modern Commonwealth of Nations after World War II.

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Beginning in Bristol in 1761, the business went through several changes of name and ownership, becoming J. S. Fry & Sons in 1822. In 1847, Fry's produced what is often considered the first solid chocolate bar. The company also created the first filled chocolate sweet, Cream Sticks, in 1853.