It’s complicated, because while yes the British were bastards, unlike some of the powers they weren’t completely rapacious, and recognized that at least a modicum of self sufficiency and good governance was necessary for them to have something to steal long term.
The French, Spanish, or (big yikes) Belgian colonies have had significantly harder times.
Kind of a ‘what did the Roman’s ever do for us?’ situation.
It’s complicated, because while yes the British were bastards, unlike some of the powers they weren’t completely rapacious, and recognized that at least a modicum of self sufficiency and good governance was necessary for them to have something to steal long term.
The French, Spanish, or (big yikes) Belgian colonies have had significantly harder times.
Kind of a ‘what did the Roman’s ever do for us?’ situation.