While the UK had already stopped linking their currency to gold back in 1932, and indeed the US followed suit in 1933, it wasn't until 1971 when the link between money and gold was fully severed. Here we entered into a new monetary system, called FIAT MONEY and what it means money is that can be created out of thin air. Government debt, the total wealth of the richest few and mass poverty have all risen exponentially since this date.