Scott Belford

A Short History of Significant American Recessions, Depressions, and Panics Scott Belford

If you look carefully at the chart on the front cover, you will notice that prior to WW II there was a significant number of Recessions, Depressions, and Panics. Yet, after WW II, there was a noticeable absence of these downturns; and they were both smaller in size and in duration - this is not by accident. This book explores why such a dichotomy exists and who or what is responsible for it. We dig deep into what classical (conservative) economics means and what so-called liberal economics consists of. We look into why and where each is the same and each is different. To understand this is to understand what politicians are telling you and to help determine the veracity of what you are hearing. Through an analysis of over two dozen major recessions, depressions, and panics that have occurred in our 200+ years as a nation we gain an understanding of the five factors needed to have a major downturn. These same five factors were present in the Long Depression in the mid-1800s as well as the Great 2008 Recession. Understanding that this is, in fact, true will help guide you on who to vote for in order to produce the best possible economic outcome for you.