How would proximity to europe effect an empire

It could be good for trade because most European nations were wealthy and you can sell your goods and make profit however this can attract jealousy/envy

they united the colonies in their fight against the british.

depends on the age of the teen, many believe by the age of 16 a person should know the strong difference between right and wrong along with the difference between risky and immediate death. swimming with sharks might be dangerous but swimming with sharks while bloody meat is attached to you is just insane. even more if you have no idea what you're doing. however, no matter the age, as long as the person is skilled enough and has the mental and physical capacity to control their actions doing whatever sport they put their mind to is all that matters.