A bit cliché, but simplifies the cyclical movement of society ,
"Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”
I think looking back at recent British history there are lots of major turning points , most if not all have been at the hands of politicians. I don't think people realised the importance of heavy industry on society. It was the major employer but more than that a huge social fabric of sports and social clubs , music , and brought with it hope and jobs etc. it's loss imploded the areas it existed ,