Is independence the only route to self-determination? Would real, meaningful internal self-government in the colonies have allowed the European powers to keep their overseas possessions in the post-WWII period?
In general, the colonial powers took desultory steps toward letting their colonies govern themselves though these were generally limited both in participation (settlers, a tiny native elite perhaps) and authority (decisions overruled by an appointed governor). However, in current referenda, Puerto Rico gives single digit support to independence and several parts of the former Netherlands Antilles just voted for closer integration with the Dutch mainland.
In general, the colonial powers took desultory steps toward letting their colonies govern themselves though these were generally limited both in participation (settlers, a tiny native elite perhaps) and authority (decisions overruled by an appointed governor). However, in current referenda, Puerto Rico gives single digit support to independence and several parts of the former Netherlands Antilles just voted for closer integration with the Dutch mainland.