Which historical event greatly influenced Canada's journey to independence?

The Statute of Westminster is a significant milestone in Canada's journey to independence because it granted full legislative independence from the United Kingdom, allowing Canada to make its own laws without requiring approval from the British Parliament. Enacted in 1931, this statute marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Canada's sovereignty, as it confirmed that Canada was a self-governing entity within the British Empire.

The Statute of Westminster provided the framework for Canadian autonomy, solidifying the country's ability to make independent decisions regarding its governance and establishing a legislative foundation that would later be built upon with the Constitution Act of 1982. This event is often seen as a key step in Canada’s transition from a dominion of the British Empire to a fully autonomous nation.

In contrast, while events like the American Civil War, the World Wars, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles shaped the broader geopolitical landscape, they did not directly provide the same level of legislative independence or self-determination that the Statute of Westminster did for Canada.