Fueled by easy credit, the real-estate market had been rising swiftly for some years. Members of Congress were determined to assure the continuation of that easy credit. Suddenly, the party came to a devastating halt. Defaults multiplied, banks began to fail. Soon the economic troubles spread beyond real estate. Depression stalked the land.
The year was 1836.
The worst of John Steele Gordon’s is still better than anyone else’s. The man is a treasure.
This is a good article, well worth reading in full.