“Now - the EMP pulse would affect things in the immediate area. But fantasy of one massive EMP blast over (for instance) Kansas wiping out the entirety of North America......is just that, a fantas”
Not according to several studies. But thats fine, each to their own.
No offense, but MMGW can produce a lot of studies too.
I don't doubt the effect would be damaging if not devastating to certain areas. I picture a few cities of New Orleans style disasters (without structural damage and death).
Remember, they didn't even use grounding in the 1940's. Circuit breakers and fuses were primitive compared to today. They didn't even completely understand the correlation between conductor size, voltage, amperage and phases to properly ground systems and breakers. It's why there are so many fewer electrical fires today than say 50 years ago.
Again, I accept the reality that large localized power outage and device destruction is likely. But I don't think Denver and Ohio would be plunged into the 1800's if a EMP detonated 250 miles above Kansas. I have read about the experiments that have been done. While a small island can be affected with 1940's technology from 400 miles away, I remain skeptical that the entire nation would be plunged into the 1800's for 5 to 10 years.