Forty years ago, the United Kingdom (UK) joined the European Union (EU— currently made up of 193 countries around the world and counting) with the hope that their economy would flourish if their government united with other governments. The United Nations’ original purpose was to create ease in making new laws, trading with other countries, and travel from one country to another, kind of like the United States, but a very different idea. After two major, devastating world wars, it is understandable why so many European (and other) countries would want to experiment with a new type of government.

The United Nations originated in Bruxelles, Belgium, where a group of unelected politicians came into power and set up control over various countries. These unelected politicians set up rules for every other country in the EU, including opening borders to refugees, having one common currency in the Eurozone (made up of 28 different EU countries, excluding the UK) regulating farming and trade laws, etc.

On June 24, 2016, the UK. left the EU. The EU did not fail (and that is not the reason the UK left), but it did not do exactly what it was expected to do in terms of reform. There are high rates of unemployment and violence and increased mortgage in the UK due to recent decisions made by the EU. However, unlike all the other European countries in the EU, the UK never converted its currency to the Euro.

In 1969 when the UK became a member of the EU, former prime minister Gordon Brown proposed five economic tests that had to be met in order for the UK to successfully adopt the Euro and its new form of currency. First, “Business cycles and economic structures must be compatible enough that the United Kingdom could live with Eurozone interests rates (Investopedia)”. Second, “The system must have sufficient flexibility to deal with both local and aggregate economic problems.” Third, “Adopting the euro must create conditions conductive to firms and individuals investing in the United Kingdom.” Fourth, “The euro would enable the nation’s financial services industry to remain in a competitive position internationally.” Finally, “Adopting the euro must promote higher growth, stability and a long-term increase in jobs.” After dabbling with some math and realizing that the the pound did not pass Blair’s five economic tests, the UK. decided that the Euro was unfit for its economic standards. Fortunately, this is part of the reason why the UK’s transition out of the EU will be a bit easier than if, for example, France or Germany decided to leave because they would not have to convert to a new currency. This is why the idea of other nations "exiting" the EU, including parts of the UK like Northern Ireland and Scotland, is unlikely.

Unfortunately for the European Union, the pound’s value has reached a 31-year low, which, in turn, will cause temporary financial problems for major banks and businesses in the UK and countries that trade with the UK. Yes, the pound did plummet, which is the main reason why so many people are outraged over the UK’s decision to leave the EU, but the negative consequences are only temporary. Almost every vote that divides a nation into two sides and causes a major change in government will cause panic, especially over social media platforms. However, this could potentially be a smart move for the UK. Not everybody wants big government, and the UK does not need a big government to thrive. They do not need to keep borders open if they feel it will cause harm to their country; this does not mean they’re going to stop trading with the EU; this does not mean their military is going to weaken; this does not mean radical conservatives; this does not mean people are going to lose jobs. In fact, those who argue that Brexit will only benefit the wealthy forget about the those unelected politicians who currently control the EU; they live a very comfortable life, to say the least. The UK thrived as an independent country for centuries and, hopefully, it will thrive again as a result of Brexit.

The UK is the 5th largest economy in the world— it will overcome this difficult transition out of the EU. However, if it decides to close its borders, the EU will make it more difficult for them to go over contracts and negotiations. Therefore, the UK has a lot of difficulties to overcome due to their leaving, but this major decision will be worth it in the long run.