There are actually dozens of games in that genre. 1835 in Germany is very constructive and buildery, and aggressive 1830-style play is not going to do you any good. 1841 in Italy is epic in its complexity; borders popup and disappear, forcing splits and mergers. Companies can buy each other and start new subsidiary companies. There are several games in England, France, Europe as a whole, India, China, Russia, the Isle of Wight, several games for individual states in the US, and most recently, Lilliput. Many of them self-published. Worth checking out if this is your thing.

18EU is probably my favourite. Feels epic, but plays remarkably quickly.

I am familiar with the series, the problem with checking out new ones is that these games require a SERIOUS investment of time and energy.

They aren't your run-of-the-mill Euro game you pull out after Thanksgiving Dinner and teach to the family over coffee.

True. I keep trying to plan a game with my dad and my brother, but somehow we never get around to it. I can't bring my kids, because that's not going to work. Though pretty soon my oldest son may be old enough to join.