Neutral British

1914: World War One breaks out in Europe as a result of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. As German troops pour into France, the British determine that their interests would best be served by remaining neutral. As a result, they do not suffer a million dead, do not bankrupt themselves and their empire, do not suffer an immense loss of confidence and will, and do not lose the trust of the people and leaders of the Dominions.

1915: The nations of Europe have suffered heavy casualties. The British mediate a peace between the warring nations of Europe. Without British support, France and Russia have both lost territory to Germany. As part of the peace treaty, Germany is allowed to keep the captured territory, but the price for British mediation is that the Germans dismantle their High Seas Fleet.

1916-1920: Although revolutionary violence takes place throughout Russia, there is no organized movement to overthrow the Czar (the Germans did not send Lenin into Russia).

Agitation for independence in India is muted (Gandhi supported the British until he realized that the Indian war effort during World War One was unappreciated).

1920-1925: Disputes with the Turkish Empire over the Suez Canal and the treatment of the Jewish and Armenian population result in a British campaign against the Turks. Following the capture of Constantinople, Egypt and Palestine are made protectorates of the British Empire.

1925-1930: Winston Churchill is elected Prime Minister. He pushed through the Statute of Westminster, which gives new political form to the British Empire. The Dominions are given complete control of their internal affairs, while foreign relations and imperial defense are to be coordinated by an Imperial Council, based in London, in which all the Dominions (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) take part along with Great Britain.

The unity of the empire is to be symbolized by the monarchy.

1930-1935: Political movements are launched in Ireland for separation from Great Britain and establishment as a separate Dominion. Within Ireland, there is a low-level conflict between those who wish to remain within the Empire and those who wish to be completely independent.

The Indian National Congress elects to seek Dominion status for India.