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I recall reading that after World War II, their was some fear that that pattern that fallowed World War I would repeat. Meaning, their would be a time of economic prosperity and inovation, but it would eventually burt and another depression would set in. Stalin was actully banking on this, hoping it would mean America would go Communist.

Obviously this never happened, and we had more or less six decades of American lead economic growth. Granted, their were a few recessions in that time, but nothing as bad as the 30's.

So, my question is, what if their was a Second Great Depression, starting in 1959, thrity years after the first. To further mirror the first, lets say it starts in new York and quickly spreads aroud the world. How will the various Governments around the world react, and what will the effects be on ordinary people?

For some parts of the world, I suspect Communism will become more popular, countries being closer to the USSR and China probably the most likely.

In America, I think the Eisenhower Administration would become more and more unpopular, which proably leads to a Kennedy landslide over Nixon in 1960. Other than that, I'm not sure what would happen.

Any thoughts?
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