Dominion of Fiji

Quick Facts: Who was Dominion of Fiji?

Subject:

Dominion of Fiji

Known for:

Commonwealth realm status of Fiji from 1970 until the proclamation of the Republic in 1987.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Fiji, also known as the Dominion of Fiji, was an independent state from 1970 to 1987, a Commonwealth realm in which the British monarch, Elizabeth II, remained head of state as Queen of Fiji, represented by the Governor-General. The state was the successor of the British Colony of Fiji which was given independence in October 1970 and it survived until the Republic of Fiji was proclaimed on 6 October 1987 after two military coups, at which time Queen Elizabeth II was removed as head of state, albeit, without any consent from the people of Fiji themselves.

Career & Major Achievements

During this time, Fiji's highest court was the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which was above the Supreme Court of Fiji in the Fijian judicial system. After the Second World War, Fiji began to take its first steps towards internal self-government.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Legislative Council was expanded to 32 members in 1953, 15 of them elected and divided equally among the three major ethnic constituencies (indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and Europeans). Ratu Sukuna was chosen as the first Speaker.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1953: 1953 Milestone — The Legislative Council was expanded to 32 members in 1953, 15 of them elected and divided equally among the three major ethnic constituencies (indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and Europeans).
2. 1970: 1970 Milestone — Fiji, also known as the Dominion of Fiji, was an independent state from 1970 to 1987, a Commonwealth realm in which the British monarch, Elizabeth II, remained head of state as Queen of Fiji, represented by the Governor-General.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Dominion of Fiji

True or False: “The transition from the Dominion of Fiji to the Republic of Fiji in 1987 was achieved with the full, unanimous consent of the entire population.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The proclamation of the Republic in 1987 occurred after two military coups, and the removal of Queen Elizabeth II as head of state was done without the explicit consent of the people of Fiji.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. H. M. Jones — Historical peer (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering British historian of classical antiquity, specializing in the later Roman Empire.
• Abraham Maslow — Historical peer (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Aaron Carter — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Afrojack — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): Dutch DJ and record producer, known professionally as Afrojack.
• Ahmad Shah Massoud — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Afghan military leader, known as the "Lion of Panjshir", fought against foreign occupations.
• Alan Moore — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Pioneering British comic book writer celebrated for deconstructing genre tropes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dominion of Fiji