What's up with 1957-1961?

[muon2]

The fundamentals may have been ripe for recession, but typically a trigger is needed. Don't overlook the impact of the 1957 Sputnik launch on the mood of consumers. This is from NASA's history:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

The US approach to science and education underwent a fundamental change in reaction to the event. not only was NASA created, but the current debate over student loans traces back to Sputnik as well.