History of Nationality in Gibraltar - Post-World War I Civil Rights

Post-World War I Civil Rights

During the First World War, Spain remained neutral and was not a danger to the security of the fortress. Yet Gibraltar was a crucial strategic point for British convoys and Mediterranean liners. Political life continued, and a City Council was created in Gibraltar in 1921 that replaced the Sanitary Commissioners. The Governor remained the executive and legislative authority, but he was advised by the new Executive Council and City Council. It was an important step in catering to the civilian population, which surpassed 18,000 inhabitants. In 1921 the first elections were held in Gibraltar for City Council, and for the first time under British rule, the civilian inhabitants of Gibraltar had a right to elect their own representatives. Suffrage was limited to male taxpayers yet the Governor remained a military man, with all legislative and executive authority vested in him.

Read more about this topic:  History Of Nationality In Gibraltar

Famous quotes containing the words civil rights, war, civil and/or rights:

    I’ve never been afraid to step out and to reach out and to move out in order to make things happen.
    Victoria Gray, African American civil rights activist. As quoted in This Little Light of Mine, ch. 3, by Hay Mills (1993)

    The same reason that makes us chide and brawl and fall out with any of our neighbours, causeth a war to follow between Princes.
    Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)

    Both of us felt more anxiety about the South—about the colored people especially—than about anything else sinister in the result. My hope of a sound currency will somehow be realized; civil service reform will be delayed; but the great injury is in the South. There the Amendments will be nullified, disorder will continue, prosperity to both whites and colored people will be pushed off for years.
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    Let woman share the rights and she will emulate the virtues of man; for she must grow more perfect when emancipated ...
    Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797)