What was the uniqueness from rest of Europe and the development of Northeastern North America?

Question

Scandinavia

Germany and Central Europe

England

Answer 1

There was a book written a few years ago "Guns, Germs, and Steel", that showed VERY CLEARLY why some civilizations expand into and take over other civilizations and not the reverse.  There was nothing unique about North-Western Europe and its expansion into America.  The exact same thing has been going on for over 10,000 years.

Answer 2

First answer makes sense.  Also, from another angle, I would say North-western Europe and North-eastern North America was their intense involvement and commitment to the industrial revolution and the good match between the cool climate and the work-values lifestyle it accommodates.  The northern/temperate climates went hand-in-hand with the industrial revolution and work-values.