Doyle: What America can learn from Finland’s successful democracy
On July 2, 1776, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded in Philadelphia, where John Morton, a Finnish American and speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, cast a decisive vote that would shape the future of the United States. As the Second Continental Congress convened, Morton held the power to tip the scales in favor of independence from Great Britain. His vote was crucial; a “no” would have signaled Pennsylvania’s opposition, potentially derailing the momentum for independence among the 13 colonies. Conversely, a “yes” would secure a 3-to-2 majority for the pro-independence faction, igniting a movement that would lead to the birth of a new nation. Despite the significant risks, including potential execution for treason, Morton courageously chose to support the resolution, contributing to the unanimous passage of the independence declaration. This act not only marked the genesis of the United States but also reflected the deep-rooted Finnish heritage that Morton carried with him.
Fast forward to today, and Finland stands as a testament to the power of democracy and social welfare, paralleling the ideals that Morton and his contemporaries aspired to establish. With a population of only 5.6 million, Finland has emerged as one of the world’s leading democracies, consistently ranked as the freest and happiest nation globally. The country excels in various metrics, including education, healthcare, and social equality, largely attributed to its commitment to a robust social safety net funded by higher taxes. While personal income taxes in Finland are notably higher than in the United States, they encompass comprehensive public services that alleviate the financial burdens often faced by American households, such as medical expenses and student loans. The Finnish model emphasizes a balance between capitalism and social responsibility, showcasing how a well-structured economy can thrive while ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
The political landscape in Finland offers valuable lessons for the United States, particularly in fostering a more civil discourse amid growing polarization. Recent events, such as the collaborative spirit displayed by Finnish politicians during elections, underscore a commitment to mutual respect and cooperation, contrasting sharply with the often contentious political climate in the U.S. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the legacies of figures like John Morton and the contemporary achievements of Finland serve as reminders of the importance of unity and understanding. In a time marked by division, there is a compelling call for Americans to embrace a spirit of cooperation and empathy, potentially declaring independence from the entrenched animosities that have taken root in society. William Doyle, an American writer based in Helsinki, emphasizes this sentiment, suggesting that the historical and modern narratives of both Morton and Finland can inspire a renewed commitment to harmony and progress in the United States.
On July 2, 1776, a Finnish American man held the destiny of the United States in his hands.
The scene was the hall in Philadelphia that hosted the Second Continental Congress of the 13 American Colonies of British America. The man of destiny was John Morton, speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly and the swing vote in his state delegation that could create the United States of America.
If Morton voted “no,” the influential Colony would be recorded as opposed to independence. This could deal a fatal blow to the infant nation by delaying or dashing hopes for a vote for independence from Great Britain that was unopposed by any of the Colonies. If he said “yes,” the Pennsylvania delegation would flip to a 3-to-2 pro-independence majority, creating unstoppable national momentum for a break with King George III’s government.
But it would place Morton and his fellow delegates at risk of condemnation by many constituents who were pro-crown loyalists or independence skeptics, and in real danger of being executed if captured by British forces. The maximum penalty for treason against the king at that time was to be hung by the neck until the edge of death, then disemboweled and torn into four pieces — while still alive.
Morton made his decision. He voted for the independence resolution, and Pennsylvania’s “yea” vote in the roll call of states enabled its unopposed passage. This was the moment that the United States of America came into existence. With the help of spirits from Finland — Morton’s father, grandfather, mother and wife were all of of Finnish descent.
The country that Morton and his colleagues created July 2, 1776, became the wealthiest, most powerful nation on earth. And the society that Morton’s distant relatives built in Finland also became one of the world’s most successful democracies.
For a nation of only 5.6 million people, brutal winter weather and few natural resources other than trees, Finland’s achievements are striking. Finland ranks as the No. 1 world’s freest nation in Freedom House’s 2025 report, the happiest nation for eight years in a row, the developed country with the most skilled adult population and the nation that leads the world in progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health and well-being, gender equality and ending poverty.
How has this happened? One reason is that Finland is, in the words of Helsinki-based journalists Anu Partanen and Trevor Corson in The New York Times, “a capitalist paradise,” a nation committed to free markets and capitalism. According to the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, Finland has the best property rights in the world and scores higher than the United States in economic and investment freedom, judicial effectiveness, fiscal health and government integrity.
Taxes on personal income are significantly higher on average than in the United States, but they replace many large private expenses carried by U.S. households, and business and property taxes are lower. The national corporate tax rate in Finland will be lowered from the current 20% to 18% in 2027, which compares to about 25% in the United States when state taxes are included.
While Finns complain about their taxes, in the end, many people here consider them worth it, in exchange for a very strong social safety net, excellent universal public health care and free high-quality education through university. Medical bankruptcy, the No. 1 cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., is almost unheard of, as is the long-term stress associated with crushing student debt. Rates of violent crime, homelessness and hunger are extremely low.
Finland is, as Partanen puts it, a “well-being state.” Finns don’t have much to say publicly about religious values such as compassion, charity and humility; they just act on them.
There is some political polarization in Finland, and in the parliament, debates over immigration and an economy stuck in a cycle of low growth and relatively high unemployment are increasingly intense. But personal animosity in government plays out at a far lower intensity than in the United States, for example, and this may be one of the most powerful lessons Americans can learn from Finland.
When Finnish center-right politician Alexander Stubb won the presidential election last year, he headed for his Green Party opponent Pekka Haavisto’s election-night vigil for a surprise joint appearance. As the crowd cheered a standing ovation, the two men hugged, and Stubb told him, “You are one of the nicest people I have ever met.”
On the eve of America’s 250 th anniversary, Morton and Finland can remind us that now is a good time for Americans to declare independence from the tyranny of hating each other.
William Doyle is an American writer and TV producer based in Helsinki. In 2015, he was appointed as a Fulbright scholar to Finland/Tribune News Service
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