In June 1930, the government of Quebec realised one of their deepest dreams - independence from the rest of Canada. Declaring themselves the République de Quebec, it was the beginning of the end for that nation. By early 1931, Canada as an independent nation had practically ceased to exist, despite thorough efforts by the British Empire to maintain their dominion. Determined to retain at least a foothold, the Empire forged a treaty alliance with Quebec and the Industrial States of America, allowing the formation of an independent Ontario, as a protectorate of the British Empire.