GdwnsnHo
Banned
I'd have to ask the forum experts - but were there any politicians who could have persuaded the British prior to 1780 to establish an updated version of the Dominion of New England to encompass their colonies on the eastern seaboard? i.e. Essentially a Westminster style parliament, but beholden to Britain in certain ways (e.g. Has to provide an Army Of New England.. or three)
I honestly see that as the best way to deal with the war or to circumvent it entirely.
It could be set up as a way to unite Loyalists, and those rebels who'd consider it acceptable - weakening the support the Continental Army had.
So my questions would be
1) Was there anyone that radical in the Anglo-American political world that could have pulled this off?
2) What powers could such a parliament have realistically had withheld?
3) What would be the most that the British Empire could have expected as its dues from this Parliament?
4) Could this be the beginning of a 'Dominion Model' of Colonialism by the British, where they start colonies with this governance in mind in order to head off revolts?
4b) Where could we see these colonies emerge? West of the Appalachians? India? South and East Africa? Australia?
5) What would the politics of such an Empire be like?
I honestly see that as the best way to deal with the war or to circumvent it entirely.
It could be set up as a way to unite Loyalists, and those rebels who'd consider it acceptable - weakening the support the Continental Army had.
So my questions would be
1) Was there anyone that radical in the Anglo-American political world that could have pulled this off?
2) What powers could such a parliament have realistically had withheld?
3) What would be the most that the British Empire could have expected as its dues from this Parliament?
4) Could this be the beginning of a 'Dominion Model' of Colonialism by the British, where they start colonies with this governance in mind in order to head off revolts?
4b) Where could we see these colonies emerge? West of the Appalachians? India? South and East Africa? Australia?
5) What would the politics of such an Empire be like?