Just something I have been wondering about lately, and it came up again in a recent topic in the Skyrim General. Just what have the Nords gotten out of being a part of the Empire, and a major contributor to the Imperial Legions? Other than the Reach being added to their lands, I don't really see the Nords getting anything from it, which makes me question why the Nords support the Empire to begin with. They seem to mostly be regarded as barbarians dependent on Imperial rule to not rip themselves apart.

Trade, supplies, allies, resources.

To be honest right now Empire needs other provinces,Other provinces dont need them.