Europeans with modern technoloies took from the natives a vast land with incredible resources. Used slaves when it was economical profitbale. Preserved industrial capbilities from 2 world wars and took the advantage when the world was recovering. Benefited from briliant creativities of immirgrants from all over the world. Millitary dominance, dollar hegemony, Hollywood, sports, etc.
When the situation is right, one can't do anything wrong.