It's hard to know where to start with Britain.

You're in an odd position, compared to what you would expect. The 13 Colonies are semi-autonomous, and resentful of any attempt to change that fact. This is a challenge, because your goal as the UK is a North American empire under your direct control. However, the only outpost on the North American continent that let's you call the shots is Rupert's Land, Canada. The Colonies can be welcomed into the Empire as equals, but only if you can conquer the Cherokee and New France.

Because it's so hard to figure out what you're supposed to be doing, I've decided to present four distinct plans which I feel will help define the overall strategy for the ascension of Great Britain during the 18th century, and those who feel overwhelmed may pick one at their convenience.

I'd also like to note that the first thing you should do, regardless of which plan you choose, is to combine your Caribbean fleets on the first turn. There is a rather nasty pirate fleet headed in the direction of one of them, and you probably want to give them a proper welcome.

1) War in Europe:

This is a high risk/high reward strategy, because the fighting takes place in your own back yard, against forces similar to your own. Prussia will soon attack your ally Austria, as the war for a Greater Germany begins. Use this opportunity to declare war on them. Sail an army from England around Denmark, and attack Berlin straight off.

Berlin is a tough nut to crack. However, taking it early gives you an extra school. Combined with Oxford, and the quickly emerging town in Canada, then you'll be able to develop a significant tech lead (this might also work on France, if you can take Paris, but watch out for your New World holdings).

From there, ally with Protestant nations, and press Catholic France and Spain in their own homelands. Build up your fleet, so that you can prevent them from returning the favor in your own home island. Once you dominate Europe as the mightiest and most advanced power in the world, then ceasing the helpless colonies of your vanquished foes will be a snap.

2) Battle for the New World:

Develop your army in England. Ideally, you'll also want square formation, and a bayonet tech that doesn't suck, if possible. Those Cherokee, they love the horses.

Once you have assembled your forces, take stock of where you want to insert them. Georgia seems like a good starting point. It's near the Colonies, it's a stone's throw away from Florida, it provides easy access to west of the Appalachians, and it won't trigger an intercontinental war with France or Spain (that's for later). If you don't care about starting such a war, then it might be better to go ahead and knock out New Orleans or Quebec.

Once you have conquered and developed the Cherokee lands, then you will be on equal terms with New France and the other native . Complete the mission that grants you dominion over the Colonies, and your conquest of the New World will be almost inevitable.

3) To take Canada:

War with the Huron Confederacy seems to be inevitable. Head it off by fortifying Moose Factory. Invest in increasing your military recruitment pool. When they declare war, pick their armies off one-by-one, as they assemble to attack your city.

Once you have artillery, it's time to strike back. Take their camp, and then begin projecting your power in the North. New France is right next door to the best developed part of your empire, so I shouldn't have to tell you what comes next.

4) Oh Calcutta!:

I haven't really dealt much with India, yet. If I were to venture a guess, I would say that allying with the Marathan Confederacy in their fight for freedom from Mughal oppression would give you an edge.

Important in all of these plans is the establishment of trade, which requires a sizable fleet. Remember to open trade routes, develop resources, and research non-military techs.