Final answer:
Western European cities have low skylines due to historical preservation of older structures, geographic limitations that prevent sprawl, and urban planning that prioritizes public transportation over the automobile. American cities, however, embraced vertical growth through the invention of the skyscraper, facilitated by technologies like the elevator.
Step-by-step explanation:
Western European cities typically have low skylines compared to American cities due to several historical and cultural factors. First, many European cities are characterized by their historical preservation. These cities often contain buildings that are centuries old, with layouts that cannot easily accommodate towering skyscrapers without disturbing the heritage and aesthetic value of the locations.
Next, there is the element of geographic limitations. Cities in Europe were established long before the age of the automobile, leading to dense urban cores that are not easily expandable due to natural barriers like rivers or the coast, as well as the pre-existing built environment. This stands in contrast to many American cities where land was more plentiful and could accommodate outward sprawl.
Furthermore, European city planning often prioritizes public transportation and walkability over the personal automobile, which America has historically favored. This influences urban design, where European cities have high-density centers that support public transit and do not require the same level of vertical growth to house businesses and residents.