Read the stuff from the fall of the Western Empire, the Viking raids, or (if you really don't want to sleep) the rise of Islam and the black death.
When I was researching into the fall of the Byzantines, I almost quit because I really didn't want to see the light of Christ snuffed out like that in the East.
But, after all that, the Cross which was trampled on by the barbarians was worn by their children. Much the same thing is happening in China, Africa and even the Middle East.
The Cross has triumphed. Jesus died for my sins, and I will cling to Him till the end. The West may fall, and to be honest we deserve to. But never forget, our ancestors were the monstrous men the early Christians feared. The Roman people are gone, and the germanic tribes became the Europeans of today. Now, after they have spurned God and chased after hell, the mantle will pass to someone else. Will it be the Asians? The Africans? The Middle East again? Or will a flicker of the West remain in South America to rebuild the world after the fall of the US and Europe?
This may be the End, but honestly I am not sure. I am more sure it is the end of the US.
From what I understand from prophecy, it is America that is called to bring peace to the rest of the world. That is our mission. I agree with you about history. It must always seem to every generation, that it is they that are living in the end times. But lets face it, if the apparitions are true or not from the Blessed Mother, there have been an extraordinary number of them. This of course should give us pause. I know things have been bad before, and they are certainly bad now. The saints however speak of epochs of time, for example we are in the fifth epoch, about to enter into the sixth. The fifth epoch ends with many natural and financial disaster’s. Then there will be a short rule of communism for the whole world. There will be Many wars with Islam. Finally, ending with the brutal death of the pope. Followed by three days of darkness. Sure sounds like the times we live in. Then we will enter the sixth epoch. The sixth is the time of peace, in which all nations will come back to the fullness of the church. A great French King and a very Holy pope will guide us during this peace. Then the Antichrist comes, kills the King and the pope. And then it is his rule, until judgment. So I know it is not the end for us, but really a painful beginning. I could be wrong, but that is how I see it. I must admit, I am fearful at times, especially for my five children.