This is the United States of America today: The largest most powerful economy to ever exist in history. In previous episodes, we have explored how the economy of the USA has developed from a British colony into an industrial powerhouse that rose to the position of power that it occupies today.

Which brings us to America in the 21st century. When a lot of people think of powerful economies they'll imagine huge factories, shipping ports, plentiful farmland, and powerful investment banks. But, in reality, what keeps the world spinning is simply debt and demand.