I've been studying and pondering that cataclysm for decades, and have matured a series of conclusions as to what almost happened to us.
Namely, the United States would have "perished from the earth," and the world would have entered "a new dark age."

I offer a thorough explanation for this view in my public-service blog, "Civic Mentor ~~ Bulletins."
The actual article's name is the same as the subject line, above.

If you would like to check it out, here is the URL (just click it, below -- this is a not-for-profit blog):

http://vnylcitygov.blogspot.com/2014/04/what-would-have-happened-had-united.html

Please take a look, come back, and tell me what you think. I'm sincerely interested. Thanks