National Debt Growth

The US National Debt balloons to over $35 Trillion dollars exceeding 100% of GDP and peaking at the highest levels since World War II following Great Recession and COVID bailouts, and period of high deficit level spending.

 

Significance:

  • Interest on Debt exceeds $1 Trillion dollars alone
  • Interest payments exceed cost of US Military, move into 3rd largest budget expense
  • Period marked by High Inflation
  • Looming decisions on higher deficits, more taxes, lower spending, or higher inflation

 

Learn More

National Debt Growth

COVID 19 Pandemic

Ongoing event with evolving economic impact, highlighting challenges of balancing public health needs with fiscal sustainability.

 

Significance

  • Massive increased spending for economic stimulus payments, unemployment benefits, healthcare programs.
  • Potential future cuts to other programs to offset pandemic costs.
  • Individual and business tax relief packages.
  • Rapid expansion of Money Supply (Printing Money) followed by high inflationary period

 

Learn More

COVID 19 Pandemic

Nixon Ends Conversion of US Dollars to Gold

Marked the transition to a floating exchange rate system, sparking debates on global monetary order and potential instability.

 

Significance

  • Increased flexibility in managing the money supply and exchange rates.
  • Suspended convertibility of the US dollar to gold, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system.
  • Moves US to floating exchange Fiat currency system

 

Learn More

Nixon Ends Conversion of US Dollars to Gold

Bretton Woods Agreement

Defined the post-war international monetary system, fostering global economic growth but creating rigidities over time.

Significance

  • Limited national autonomy in monetary policy but promoted international trade and financial stability.
  • Established fixed exchange rates for major currencies, pegged to the US dollar, which was convertible to gold at $35 per ounce.
  • Established US Dollar as the world Reserve Currency
  • Established the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

 

Learn More

Bretton Woods Agreement

Gold Standard Abandoned

Enabled fiscal interventions during the Great Depression but raised concerns about monetary responsibility.

 

Significance

  •  Potential for inflation without gold-backed currency.  
  • Increased government flexibility in managing the money supply and interest rates.

 

Learn More

Gold Standard Abandoned

Tax Project Institute

Get the Newsletter

Sign up to get the newsletter