Final answer:
The U.S. has grown economically due to factors like the Industrial Revolution, a large market, rich resources, and a culture of entrepreneurship. Whereas challenges like political instability and lack of resources have hindered consistent economic growth in regions like the Middle East and Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sources of the United States' Economic Prosperity
The United States has experienced steady economic growth since its founding nearly 250 years ago. The Industrial Revolution played a crucial role in this growth, substantially increasing worker productivity and promoting trade. Furthermore, the country benefitted from a large unified market, a supportive political-legal system, rich natural resources, and an entrepreneurial spirit coupled with a commitment to investing in both material and human capital. High wages in the U.S. have attracted millions of immigrants, adding to the workforce and contributing to the country's economic vitality.
Many countries, particularly those in Western Europe, North America, and East Asia, have been successful in adequately feeding their populations and achieving long-run economic growth. The growth rate in these regions, with an average GDP per capita increase of about 2% per year, has been enabled by similar factors: industrialization, access to resources, technological advancements, and effective systems of governance and law.
In contrast, some regions such as the Middle East and Africa have struggled to maintain consistent economic growth. Factors contributing to these struggles include political instability, lack of access to education and technology, economic dependence on a narrow range of resources, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges prevent such regions from maximizing the potential of their human and natural resources, resulting in slower or stalled economic development.