If the US economy functioned fine 10, 20, 50, and 100 years ago, when the population was ~half the size, why can’t it withstand a population decline now?

Question

If the US economy functioned fine 10, 20, 50, and 100 years ago, when the population was ~half the size, why can’t it withstand a population decline now?

In: Economics

Answer 1

Japan did withstand a population decline for quite a long time. They have been experiencing an atrocious birth rate and also low immigration. There are some problems here and there but it’s not like their society are collapsing anytime soon.