One of the most important sources of U.S. scientific leadership has been, and still is, the emigration of scientists from all over the world. They receive in America not only reliable shelter and a decent salary, but, most importantly, the opportunity to work freely and fruitfully. It is impossible to list the names of the world-renowned scientists who have become the pride of American science. First, of course, is the great Albert Einstein, the author of the theory of relativity, who had unquestionable scientific and moral authority. Thanks to him, many physicists were able to flee Europe to America in the 1930s, away from the impending brown plague.

In general, the emigration of scientists to America began a long time ago, although in the beginning it was not as widespread as in the twentieth century. For example, Joseph Priestly, the famous English chemist and physicist who discovered oxygen and is widely known for his work in the field of electricity, moved to America in the late 18th century. He was forced to leave because of his political views. In 1872, Alexander Bell, inventor of the first telephone, left Scotland. In 1884, Nikola Tesla, the greatest scientist and inventor, called “the man who invented the twentieth century,” emigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Prerequisites for the development of science and technology in the United States

Besides the allocation of substantial funds for research mentioned at the beginning of this article, the most important premise for the development of science and technology is that scientists and entrepreneurs live and work in a free and democratic country. This means that they are not dominated by ideological dogmas, which have always limited the freedom of creativity in the Soviet Union, where it was constantly ensured that certain provisions of physics, biology, or genetics did not contradict the postulates of Marxist-Leninist theory. In addition – and this is especially important – any entrepreneur, creating his business and investing his money, knowledge and effort, can be sure that no one will “pick on” him and “steal” the business, that he will not face far-fetched accusations of tax evasion, drug use or being a serial killer. A businessman should “only” be honest and comply with established laws designed to protect him from all sorts of raider attacks, which are widespread in the States.