Growth of GDP per capita in emerging economic powers 1870-1913
In 1913, the GDP per capita of the United States grew to more than double what it had been in 1870. The influx of migration to the United States allowed for an industrial boom, and high levels of innovation and expansion meant that the U.S. was at the forefront of technological advancements. High levels of exports also brought significant wealth to the country, as the U.S. extended its sphere of influence across the Americas and into Western Europe. Although a severe recession did halt economic growth in the 1870s and 1880s, the decades that followed saw rapid growth, and living standards and infrastructure improved to levels similar to Europe. Growth in Western Europe was comparatively lower than in the U.S. but was still strong throughout this period, particularly in France, Germany, and Scandinavia.