Earliest Decolonisation dates for a no-WWI/WWII British Empire?

Deleted member 94680

As the title says, if the British had stayed out of WWI and there'd been no WWII as we know it, with the increased financial clout that results, how early would the British realistically begin decolonisation?

As I understand it, it was the financial strain of the two World Wars that began the process of reducing Imperial commitments. If there had been no "drain" due to no military endeavours, when would the majority of the British political establishment begin to think of independence for its various colonies, dominions and protectorates?


As a rider to this, with the British holding on to the Empire longer (if indeed they do) what would the impact on the other Imperial powers be?
 

Praeses

The world would be so drastically different, it would be impossible to say if decolonization even occurs. Without the financial devastation of the 2 world wars, it is extremely unlikely that the European powers would be inclined to decolonize as colonies and imperialism would still be the norm for foreign policy and national pride. In particular, the British would most likely be even less inclined as the lack of financial dependence on the USA following WWI loans would mean a stronger Imperial trading framework. The Dominions would most likely still look to Britain for defense unlike what followed in WW II. So the only possible impetus for decolonization would be the India question...and how that plays out is hard to say with a Britain that is not weakened by 2 world wars. My guess is that a stronger commonwealth framework between the dominions (and India) slowly develops (there would be no UN/LoN in this TL). Britain may eventually let go of her less useful Africa colonies..but this would most likely not happen until the later half of the 20th century if at all.
 
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