Victorian Commonwealth

[ArKhan]

Okay, so the british are more liberal with their "Dominion" policy, creating a kind of commonwealth in the 19th century, but with a twist: each colony get's it's own minor Parliment, with a larger "Grand Parliment" for the whole empire. this way, the commonwealth is not just a token, but an actual political force. How does this change history?

[Tyr]

What do you mean more liberal with dominion policy?

Dominions are overrated. All they were was the recognition of how colonies that were already self governing had grown and the uniting of them into local federations/confederations/whatever.

[037771]

I have experimented with this idea, and its certainly compelling. However the viable dominions of the time consisted really of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Cape Colony. Canada was certainly a candidate since Lord Durhams report and the rebellions in the 1860s. The others were simply either too far away or too sparsely populated to consist much of an excuse for their own parliaments, when direct rule was ok at the time. Moreover, this Grand Parliament would experience a grand number of logistic problems, when the current system would be a cheaper option. Put this argument later on, perhaps in a peaceful 20th Century, and the idea becomes more viable.

[Electric Monk]

I think it's perfectly possible, with the caveat that the Imperial Parliament would be controlling trade, diplomacy, and military affairs. That's about it, really, given the size of the Empire.

Basically OTL Dominion system with British powers over the Empire bumped up a level to make them the collective powers of the Empire.

[037771]

But the problem of logistics, while the system in place at the time seemed perfectly acceptable.

[AuroraBorealis]

Originally Posted by 037771

But the problem of logistics, while the system in place at the time seemed perfectly acceptable.

You probably have to wait until the advent of regular, reliable and timely steamship service before you can even approach such an idea...

Even then a Grand Parliament would probably only sit for a short session.

But an Imperial Advisory Council formed from the various High Commissions
probably would be a better route to go. Just not sure Whithall would be willing to share those responsibilities with its junior members though until those Dominions were also picking up their portions of the tab as well.

[037771]

Why not Imperial Power Conferences, between the dominions from 1900 onward?