Bending other states to their will
We're at a crossroads in history with analogies to the late 18th century in North America. Down one path lies the peaceful federation of states that would become the United States of America. Down another path, the one that never happened, the strongest colony, New York (I guess it was), conquered the other 12 and bent them to its will to forge a North American Empire. Would that empire be as respected and emulated as the United States? As successful in the long run?
You don't REALLY want me to bring up the Civil War in this context, do you?