Why do many Americans think Europe is socialist?

-I'm an American but I currently live in Europe.



Yes, European countries do have expansive welfare states and have welfare capitalist economies.



But they are far from socialism.



P.S. I abhor the idea of a welfare state.I don't know why.



France, Norway, Germany, all capitalist nations.



They have universal healthcare and an expanded welfare system (which the US alo has), so it's really not that different.Socialism is an economic in which the means of production are commonly owned and controlled cooperatively (usually by the workers). As a form of social organization, socialism is based on co-operative social relations and self-management; relatively equal power-relations (ie no privately controlled business or large government) and the reduction or elimination of hierarchy in the management of economic and political affairs.



Most countries that are referred to as "socialist" are actually mixed economies, however Venezuela, Europe and Japan are the closest modern examples (eg most private business in these countries are partly worker controlled).
Because in America we've never had government takeover like they had in europe many years ago. Over in europe democratic socialism took hold in the early to mid 20th century and people got used to it. In America we never had government takeover of healthcare, steel, railroad, banking, or any other industry. During the Great Depression the US only imposed more regulation in the market. So the idea of government takeover or nationalization never appealed to us Americans. Maybe if nationalized had happen during the great depression we would of been like europe. Great question and Take care!
I see them as a hybrid government mixed between socialism and capitalism, I generally believe they lean more to socialist tendencies/Ruling system (Depending on what country your talking about of course). Just like America does have some socialist tendencies but we still lean more towards capitalism/free market. I dont think most westernized countries can be define purely in a black and white manner when it comes to governments anymore.
I think most Americans would have difficulty defining what is meant by socialism.



As the American Dream has declined into mere selfishness, I think that many Americans now see anything that involves communal caring as un-American. What is the most un-American thing they can think of? Socialism.



I met people in Nebraska that never heard of Europe!
It is rare to find an American who actually knows what Socialism is... You can thank Rightist propaganda for the current misconception.
They don't know what socialism is.



P.S. I asked the same question earlier today.
I am originally from Europe and know socialism when I see it. The US is getting there.
Not all ducks that look, act and quack are ducks but they are close. They are not all socialistic but they are close enough to worry. peace
We don't know what socialism is.