I am not sure they knew their system was collapsing decades ago because their model always worked. Pumping is nothing new. The roaring 20s were that way because of easy credit. The markets back then were pumped. Human nature is that long term success can cause a blind spot. Why should they change?

Even a decade ago, where things almost fell off a cliff, they were able to stabilize it. They keep coming up with new ways to save themselves. Besides, we all know they are not the ones left holding the bag.

As for the enforcers, the only works when you are dealing with a few. When it is the masses, they dont have enough guns or people to wield them. The uprising in France with the Yellow Vests was a small taste.

The difference today is the flow of information. Decades ago, we were really beholden to what they told us. With a handful of news stations, we were at their mercy. Now, even though they try to marginalize the "alt-media", the message does get passed along. Also, it was only a conspiracy nut who questioned the message put forth (agenda). Now, even average people question events such as 9-11, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the Iraq War.

My statement about the outcome being secured does not diminish the forces that are against it. But as @diggndeeper posted, the tools are being developed to combat their system. We did not see this before. Mesh networks, cryptocurrency, blockchain, open AI, and a host of other technologies are being delivered into the hands of average people.

Hell the most world's leading hacker could be the teenager two doors down.