Doyle: What America can learn from Finland’s successful democracy
On July 2, 1776, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded in Philadelphia as 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 swing vote in Pennsylvania’s delegation, Morton faced immense pressure: a “no” vote could jeopardize the colonies’ aspirations for independence from British rule, while a “yes” vote would tip the scale to a 3-to-2 majority in favor of independence. Morton’s choice was fraught with danger; voting for independence could lead to severe repercussions, including execution for treason if captured by British forces. Ultimately, Morton voted “yea,” allowing the resolution for independence to pass unopposed, marking the birth of the United States of America. His legacy is not only tied to this historic vote but also to his Finnish heritage, as his ancestors played a role in shaping both the U.S. and Finland into successful democracies.
Fast forward to today, Finland stands out as a remarkable success story, often cited for its high quality of life and progressive policies. Despite its small population of 5.6 million and challenging climate, Finland has consistently ranked as the freest and happiest nation globally, according to various reports. The nation excels in areas such as education, health care, and social welfare, showcasing a robust social safety net that contrasts sharply with the challenges faced in the United States, such as medical bankruptcy and student debt. Finnish citizens pay higher personal income taxes, but these fund extensive public services, resulting in lower crime rates, less homelessness, and a general sense of well-being. This model of governance, described by journalists Anu Partanen and Trevor Corson as a “capitalist paradise,” emphasizes free markets while ensuring that the needs of the populace are met through comprehensive social programs.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the lessons from John Morton and Finland resonate deeply. The political landscape in the U.S. is marked by polarization and divisiveness, contrasting sharply with Finland’s more congenial political culture, where even opponents can share moments of camaraderie and respect. The recent election of Finnish center-right politician Alexander Stubb, who publicly embraced his Green Party opponent, illustrates a commitment to civility in political discourse. This stands as a powerful reminder for Americans to strive for unity and understanding, moving away from a culture of animosity. As we reflect on the legacies of figures like Morton and the successes of nations like Finland, there is a call to action for Americans to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, essential for the continued growth and prosperity of the nation.
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
