You are quite correct that American conservatism is more or less indistinguishable from classical liberalism.
European conversatism has always been a different animal, with various elements of blood and soil or church and king.
Consrvatism inherently describes an attitude resisting change. It does not describe, of itself, what change is being resisted or what is being conserved.
Thus Gorby’s “leftist” opponents were actually conservatives, as they were trying to conserve the Soviet system.
Can be very confusing.
And that is why I feel a tad bit lonely here.
I wish there were more Reactionaries, who really wanted to turn the sociopolitical clock back to a time of more limited government, that is more Constitutionally oriented, and fiscally conservative; and based upon personal liberty and responsibility.
But, I'll settle for being in the midst of a crowd of Conservatives and Libertarians...it's good company.