Amos-The fact that secession failed was a byproduct of the reason for secession. The South was ideologically split from the North in a manner which made certain that the seceding states were smaller in population and industrial base from the North. Even then, the South's advantage in generalship made things close to a toss-up. Britain considered giving the CSA aid to keep the cotton flowing.

We might not fracture as much as Russia, or as quickly. It would, however, be somewhat arrogant to claim that the American hegemony will last forever. Whether from internal division, outside attacks, or simply our own inertia, we will eventually fall from power.