As I understand it, the reason for the difference between English and American spelling is Noah Webster. He was a spelling reform advocate and the first American dictionary writer. Naturally his dictionary was widely used in American schools. The need for spelling reform, however rests solidly upon the head of one J. Caxton, of London. He is personally responsible for most of the worst spellings. And is it true that Americans are insular? The answer must be a resounding DAMN RIGHT THEY ARE. When the schools don't teach American history, geography, of government very well; how can Americans be expected to know about the rest of the world.