There were other differences - e.g. people originating from colder climates have on average stronger willpower (as those that didn't work hard in the short summers were dieing of starvation and cold in the long winters).
The BIG problem is the US military-industrial-congressional complex won't go down quietly. If 'they' see the BRICS countries getting ahead in industry and technology nothing will be off the table, including a nuclear WW3.