John Oliver reminds the U.S. what it gave up by gaining its independence

The United States has been doing very well since 1776, John Oliver admits, but he still wants to remind Americans what they gave up by gaining independence. In a Last Week Tonight web-only video, Oliver explains that in addition to missing out on meat pies and bowler hats, the U.S. is also devoid of extreme pessimism. "Americans are optimistic people who believe the sky is the limit, whereas in Britain we are painfully aware of our limits," Oliver said. "In fact, just look at the British sky itself; even the sun is incapable of asserting itself there. British people never made the mistake of developing self-esteem." Watch the video below to find out what else Americans gave up so many years ago. Catherine Garcia

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