We had our national debt paid off in 1835-1836,yet the Great Depression of 1837-1844 still happened.
From 1920-1930 the Federal Government ran a surplus for 11 straight years while paying down debt from WW1. It didn’t stop the Great Depression of 1929-1941 from occurring.
National debt hawks, like getting their asses kicked in American elections.(see Congressional Elections from 1932-1994)
You can’t discuss national debt without including tariffs and the income tax. Can’t be done.