Question

What might have happened if parliament had allowed the colonists to rule and tax themselves?

Answer 1

There are several different possiblities based on this question.

1) American colonists may not have gotten involved in the French and Indian War. - If the colonists truly controlled themselves, they would be able to decide whether or not they were involved in military affairs. However, in reality, the Americans were considered British subjects. This meant that the colonists had to be on the same side as Britain during this war.

2) American colonists may not have revolted against the British government. - If the colonists had the ability to vote on taxes, their whole outlook of the British government would have changed. One of the major causes of the American Revolution was the lack of power by American colonists in terms of what taxes were implemented on them. If this power was given to the colonists, they would have been much more likely to stay with the British.

Answer 2

I believe the answer is: Colonists might not have declared independence

The main reason why the revolutionist managed to get support is because of the growing satisfaction among the colonists because of the high tax rate imposed by the British government.

If the parliament allow the colonist to tax themselves, thus satisfaction would dissapear and they would not be able to obtain soldiers from the colonists.