Which European power treated the inhabitants of their colonies the "best" during the late 19th and early 20th centuary? And by "best" I mean in regards to recognizing their civil liberties such as free speach and the right to gather or travel, outlawing or preventing slavery in the colonies, permiting upward advancment in society, permiting interacial relations including marriage, and respecting local customs.
So far I beleive the French meet these criteria the best though they hardly deserve a metaphoric gold star.