A Case for British English in America?

I've been grappling with this idea for several years. It has always puzzled me that British English isn't more widely spoken in this country. Yes, yes, I understand the whole rebellious/independence thing. I understand that we HAD to create our OWN language. blah, blah, blah. But then why call it "English" and not "American"?

When my children were born, I had a strong feeling that I ought to teach my children British spelling and syntax. I resisted the temptation to do so for fear of being labelled affected, phoney, or strange. As fate would have it, we found ourselves living in England after the birth of our second child. Not only did I fall in love with the place, but with the language. The eloquence with which Brits turn a phrase (even the commonest of people) was like honey for my soul. Bit twee to say so, but it's true.

I have, since returning to the US, noticed some phrases sneaking into the mainstream of American language - particularly on the news. Why not, then, adopt the language as it's meant to be spoken and written? I suppose the fact that many US college graduates are barely literate using American English is enough of a deterrant to doing so. It's a shame, really. It would be be so nice to have a conversation with people who understood the fullness and beauty of their own mother-tongue.

So what shall I do? I teach my children at home, so am not obligated to teach my children Americanised English. What do I care if people think me or my children odd for speaking or writing like Brits? After all... they invented the language, shouldn't we Americans speak it properly?

I'd love to hear your comments on this one. And if you've any resources for good British English grammar, I hope you'll share. If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly...