How did the U.S. rise to a global superpower in only 250 years but counties that have been around for 1000s of years are still under-developed?

Question

The U.S. was a developing country for *maybe* only 100-150 years. After that, the U.S. became arguably the largest economic, military, academic, manufacturing powerhouse the world has ever seen.

Yet, countries that have been around since ancient times are still struggling to even feed or house their population.

How is that possible?

In: 17182

Answer 1

America didn’t form from indigenous tribes in 1776 or 1620. It started as an extension of Britain, with all its scientific, technological, and bureaucratic knowledge and experience, as well as large investments. Favourable geography and climate, and an influx of people realised that favourable potential. Other former settler colonies, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are also highly developed.