Why is Britain richer than other countries?

Thoughts?

Scroll to see replies

PC people will say colonialism, but then this is no different to most of Europe.

I'd say it's because we were the first to industralise originally, but today it's because we have a high living standard, are well educated, and have high productivity and wages.

Colonialism.

Very intelligent people, since the island is quite known for its inventions such as the steam engine etc.

Reply 4

The_Internet

Original post by carlisomes

Original post by harry_007

Colonialism.

In part, it is colonialism, yes, but another, is because we had the industrial revolution, giving us a hue boost when other empires started to decline, and falter

The financial sector has always been pretty strong here (Which is where most of our money comes from), and we're pretty good at opening trade overseas

We've also been to war for things like tea, which I find really funny. of course, it's not funny that people have died for tea, but going to war for tea tickles me a little

Reply 5

Jkizer

Cause they jumped over to other countries and nicked all their stuff.

Reply 6

Time Tourist

Western European and in particular the Anglophone culture.

Reply 7

harry_007

Original post by de_monies

Slavery helped the revolution. UK has no oil like Qatar.

Reply 8

The_Internet

Original post by harry_007

Slavery helped the revolution. UK has no oil like Qatar.

This is true, but there's that little thing we had, called the empire as well

Well, we technically do I guess. The UAE also has barely any oil. Oil in itself doesn't make a country rich

Reply 9

Martyn*

Because of business innovation and industry, but also because of the robust financial sector over the past couple of decades. The economy moved from industry to service to ensure the best for the economy. Unfortunately, social problems came with this.

Reply 10

MrKappa

In the words of Frankie Boyle,

"Gun beat spear".

Reply 11

harry_007

Original post by de_monies

This is true, but there's that little thing we had, called the empire as well

Well, we technically do I guess. The UAE also has barely any oil. Oil in itself doesn't make a country rich

What do up mean barely any oil and of course it does if coupled with a government that cares for its country.

Reply 12

The_Internet

Original post by harry_007

What do up mean barely any oil and of course it does if coupled with a government that cares for its country.

By that I mean, we probably have more oil than the UAE does

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8382275.stm

Im saying that you don't need oil to be rich. The UAE is a good example of that - albeit, the living conditions aren't great for x percentage of people...

Reply 13

ronmack

Original post by de_monies

indeed, look at Venezuela...

To OP - Define rich for me, what kind of rich? middle class, gdp, stock or currency wise?

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 14

carlisomes

Original post by harry_007

Colonialism.

I guess. But the UK in the 18th and 19th centuries was more stable than Europe (bar Bonny Prince Charlie before anybody says anything...)

TAX

Original post by Pindar

Thoughts?

In what aspect is Britain richer than other countries?

Reply 17

Rakas21

Original post by Pindar

Thoughts?

From 1700-1900 it was simply down to colonialism (gunboat diplomacy) and the industrial revolution.

Since WW2 the reasons for our success are largely the reasons for everybody else's success. We avoided falling to the command control economies that ruined rich countries like Cuba, we've opposed historical corruption and upheld the rule of law ensuring we're relatively well managed and attractive to business and we've also maintained a financial niche. Indeed we are now pushing forward in areas including engineering and IT.