United American Empire

After independence, the US is on the brink of anarchy: Muslim pirates raid the coastlines, Indians attack the frontier towns, and the governors of each state hoard resources and are reluctant to help their neighbors. Some states have even gone to war with each other over food. Giving in to popular pressure, George Washington, supported by the army, agrees to be crowned king of America and restore order by conquering the rebellious states, rather than retire to his farm. The White House becomes the Imperial Palace, and America's monarchs serve for life rather than eight years.
Who would succeed Emperor Washington, what sort of constitution would be in place, would the American Empire be more or less stable, and would the US government take a more aggressive, imperialist direction at an earlier time?

This was good, Master of Meanings!

I can imagine the US being more anti-British and pro-French. Perhaps it would send troops to support Boney, or side with the Germans in WWI?