Oddly enough, maybe one may speculate that we gained alot from wars. But, it is hard to look at it that way (especially if you are one of the dead folks, or their kinfolk).

Possibly what we now see as good in our societies today, may have evolved differently - but, resulted as being "just as good (or better)" if events went unfolded without all those wars? Whether North America developed under one flag, or another, may not have been such a big deal afterall.

I suspect the big benefit was for those who had, and could retain colonies, to enlarge their riches?