Unit 3: The Commonwealth of Nations (2nde_gr2)

The Battle Over South Africa

The document under study is an extract from the TV show “The Crown”. In this scene, we can see Queen Elisabeth II discussing with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Indeed, they are discussing about the place of Africa in the Commonwealth because of the Apartheid regime. Queen Elisabeth wants South Africa to be sanctioned because of the unfair regime that goes against the values of the Commonwealth. However, Thatcher is against sanctioning them for economic reasons that could be a disadvantage for both countries. Moreover, Thatcher thinks that the Commonwealth serves as the remaining of the British Empire, therefore the British monarch should not have a say on the governments in place the different countries of this organization. Nevertheless, the Queen would like thatcher to sign a petition signed already by 48 countries of the Commonwealth willing to denounce and sanction South Africa.

Homework: Learn the lesson.