Religions
Settlers fled religious persecutions in Europe...only to invent or adapt to other religions.
When settlers arrived on territories occupied by Natives, religion became a great help in justifying whatever they were doing there.
The french revolution rejected religions.
Oh, it wasn't immediately completely successful, but it inspired later governments.
What the US doesn't have, contrary to France, are many intellectuals and philosophers. They might have been wrong, they might even have changed their mind, or can be less combative than before but at least, they express ideas and are heard.