[douginthearmy]

Based on my study of history, wealth is positively correlated (and poverty is negatively correlated) to the degree of political, economic and religious freedom which exists in a society.

While it is true that this is the MOST conducive environment for wealth creation, freedom does not necessitate wealth nor vice-versa. You said history was your guide, so think it over historically. Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were richer than any African country will EVER be. Rome was in some ways free in its early years and developed wealth during this period, but it continued to grow extremely wealthy long after freedom had been snuffed out.

[wintertime]

Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were richer than any African country will EVER be.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Huh?

Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan fostered political beliefs that quickly expressed itself in military action. That military action caused the near total destruction of all the wealth of their nations...nearly every last yen and mark.

[Riodacat]

Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were richer than any African country will EVER be. Rome was in some ways free

The countries you mentioned may have been rich (although that is debatable), but the average citizen was poor compared to what they could have been had it been a free society. Freedom includes access to education and that is the fuel which powers a free society.