George: Yes, the world economy was on a gold standard. The floating exchange plan dropped me to the floor when I heard it. Currencies flowed (flew?) from country to country as inflation and rocketing prices induced currency holders to swap paper for gold. It was a mess. The prior system fell by the wayside when the prior inflation sent prices heavenward and forced floating exchange rates. May it never happen again. But it probably will; the "base" has grown massively and it takes far more slugs of funny money to do what it once did. It might be wise to but a few gold coins and pre-1965 silver coins for our kids and grandkids.