America set itself apart from Europe in 1776, 240 years ago, way ahead of it's time. Since about the early mid 20th century, America, under the influence of progressive era ideology, has been moving backwards (ironic, eh?) towards being more and more like Europe and has been afflicted more and more by the types of problems experienced by European countries. But Americans seem to like this change as they keep voting for representatives who promote and maintain progressive policy. Go figure.
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe. Thomas Jefferson