Question: How did young American cities, such as New York City and Washington, D.C., differ from cities you studied in Europe (Rome, Venice, etc.)?

Expert answer

One of the most notable differences between young American cities and their European counterparts is the way in which they were planned and built. While many European cities grew organically over time, often following a winding path dictated by topography or other natural features, American cities were designed with a more systematic approach. This is most evident in the grid-like street patterns that are characteristic of many U.S. cities.

Another key difference is the size and scale of American cities. While Europeans cityscapes are often defined by densely packed buildings and narrow streets, American cities tend to sprawl outwards, with wider streets and lower density development. This difference is likely due in part to the fact that America had far more land available for development than Europe did.