I interpreted it as an omen of sorts. many dynasties believed plagues, natural disasters, famine were markers of decline. ex) Dutch empire. There was a plague

I interpreted it as an omen of sorts. many dynasties believed plagues, natural disasters, famine were markers of decline. ex) Dutch empire. There was a plague + ponzi finance bubble in the same decade. The gilder never recovered after this point began to steadily lose value and roughly 150 years later, Dutch empire was no more. One can't help but wonder if America is on the same trajectory.