The U.S. is not a normal country. 1 average sized U.S. state is bigger than half of Europe countries. There are multiple races, ethnic groups within race, religions, ideologies, cultures and etc. all living in a landmass hindered by multiple layers of government, bureaucracy, systems and institutions which none find ideal. We’d be better if it were 50 countries instead of one and I am sure the above issues you mentioned would be mediated by it to some degree.

For the most part though all the information is avaliable with the touch of fingers online from multiple sources and points of view. People don’t seek it out and that’s on them. You being adept at these matters may cloud your perspective on the level of European financial awareness. To some degree that depends on Eastern Europe or Western Europe but France, Italy and Spain have significant financial issues which are the sum of public.

I find high school courses a complete waste as anything which are student has to write essays and take tests on means it is another chore and most of the information will be forgotten quickly after forced memorization.