In many ways, Europe and America are highly comparable. They have similar populations and cover around the same geographical area. They also have long historical ties. Almost every country in Europe is a strong American ally and Europe and the US share deep cultural roots. With that said, they are far from being the same, and actually there are a number of ways in which America is much better than Europe. Let us explain…
1. America Has Higher Wages Than Europe
A first reason why America is better than Europe is because wages in the US are much higher.
The per capita income in the United States is over 70,000 USD – this is essentially the amount of money the average American makes. The per capita income in Europe is around half of this, or less. In the European Union, the per capita income is only 37,000 USD. However, in poorer European countries, such as Moldova, Albania and North Macedonia, it can be as little as 6,000 USD or even lower.
People in the US earn more money than in Europe. This means they can afford a higher standard of living, and have more disposable income to spend on things they enjoy. Higher wages also give Americans greater economic security. When Americans travel abroad, they are wealthier by comparison and have more money to spend.
Overall, Americans are, on average, wealthier than Europeans. This is one big reason why the United States is better than Europe.
2. The US Has A Bigger Economy Than Europe
A second reason why the United States is better than Europe is because it has a bigger economy.
The GDP of the United States of 23.32 trillion dollars. By comparison, the GDP of the EU is only 14.5 trillion USD. Although there are countries in Europe outside of the European Union, the entire continents GDP still remains smaller than that of the US. In fact, the American economy makes up around a fifth of the world’s total GDP. The enormous size of the US economy is one reason why it is better than Europe.
Having a larger economy not only makes Americans richer, it also means there are more economic opportunities in the US than Europe. Jobs are more plentiful and easier to get, they pay better, businesses are easier to start and expand and investments growi at a faster rate. Essentially, by having a bigger economy, it is easier to make money and become prosperous in America than it is in Europe.
America is by far the largest economy in the world. The opportunities this provides people in the US is one reason why it is better than Europe.
3. America Has More Global Influence Then Europe
A third reason why America is better than Europe is because it has more global influence.
America is by far the most influential country globally. All around the world nations look to the United States for leadership on many issues. This not only means that America can assist other nations by using its influence benevolently, but also means that the US can influence global affairs to its own advantage. This is not always good for the rest of the world, but it’s a power that Europe simply doesn’t have.
The United States dominates many global institutions, from the United Nations to NATO. This means that America can use global organisations such as these to ensure that its interests are maintained. Europe, and even the EU, often fail to have a united voice on the world stage and this diminishes its influence.
Europe is considered by many to be a declining global power and this can be seen by its lack of influence around the world. In comparison, America has managed to retain its long standing reputation for global leadership, and this is one reason why it is better than Europe.
4. America Is Militarily Stronger Than Europe
Another reason why the United States is better than Europe is because it has a stronger military force.
America has by far the strongest armed forces in the world. The armed forces of the United States is also among the largest globally. On top of this, America has a huge range of advanced military technologies that ensure its armed forces remain the most on effective on earth.
Many countries in Europe have long underfunded their militaries. NATO member states on the continent have relied too heavily on US support and as a result cannot be considered significant military powers. The over reliance of Europe on America for defense is a major reason why the US is better.
America’s military power not only ensures the United States is protected, but also that America can defend its allies, ensure its interests and promote its values around the world. Europe lack of military strength means it can do none of these things – one reason why Europe is worse than the US.
5. American Culture Dominates Globally, More Than Europe’s
One reason why America is better than Europe is because its culture is so globally dominant.
All around the world American culture is avidly consumed. Entertainment from the United States, including movies, tv shows and music, lead the markets in many countries. People are huge fans of American popular culture. As a result, in many parts of the world people have a great affinity with America. Culture from Europe simply doesn’t have this reach.
The connections people have around the world with the United States through its popular culture has major advantages for the country. Not only does it make the US significant revenue, it also gives the America a degree of soft power – allowing it to influence people globally through its culture. This is often unintentional, but it’s an advantage that Europe doesn’t have.
Although there are aficionados of European culture around the world, and many people do enjoy the entertainment outputs of countries such as the UK, France and Germany, European culture just lacks of the global dominance that American culture has. Some people don’t like the prevalence of American culture, but its clear advantage shows why America is better than Europe.
6. The US Has A Thriving Private Sector, Europe Less So
A further reason why America is better than Europe is because of its thriving public sector.
America was born on capitalism. Its economic model is based on individual freedom. The long held ideal of the American Dream is that anyone can come to the United States and work hard, start a business and succeed. Europe simply doesn’t have this private sector drive. The greater focus on private enterprise in America is one reason why it is better than Europe.
The private sector of the American economy is strong. This is demonstrated by the huge range of American businesses that are known around the world – Ford, Coca Cola and Apple, just to show a few examples.
Europe also has a significant private sector, and there are definitely world-renowned European companies. However, many countries in Europe also have large, and often over cumbersome, public sectors. In some countries in Europe, as much as 20% of the workforce are employed by the state. This not only makes the economy more inefficient, but also stifles the private sector by forcing higher taxes and reducing investment.
America’s strong private sector, and history of entrepreneurship, is a major reason why it is better than Europe.
7. America Focuses On The Free Market More Than Europe
A final reason why the United States is better than Europe is because there is greater focus on free market economic in America.
A free market economic system is one that prioritizes freedoms for individuals and businesses to take economic decisions with limited interference from the state. Free markets generally have less regulation, more dynamism and greater investment and entrepreneurship. On the flip-side, they can have greater inequality, less protections for workers and more limited social programmes helping poorer people.
America is a highly free market economy. Europe, on the other hand, has much greater state intervention and much tighter regulations. There can be endless debates about the advantages of the free market versus the role of the state, and between the US and European economies; however, the focus on the free market in America is a major driver of the country’s prosperity.
Investors are drawn to America for its free market economic model. Immigrants also flock to the United States, because they see the economic freedoms there as allowing them a high standard of living. Sure, investors and migrants head to Europe as well, but not due to its free market.
America’s economic freedoms are a major reason why it is better than Europe.