In 1823 US Consul to Algiers William Shaler proposed the annexation of the Barbary states to the United States. Now suppose this had actually taken place, what affect would this have had on world history.
Firstly though(of course), what affect would such a action have on American history? Would the Barbary states been granted statehood? How would have this altered relations with Europe, if at all.
Secondly how would North Africa in American possession have effected the relations between the Europeans themselves. Germany and France after all, nearly went to war over Morocco. And of course theres the North African theatre in World War II getting butterflied away.