That is a very good article outlining why we are where we are and what Europe can do to avoid this same fate.
TL;DR: Because investing drives more growth than labor, the rich get richer until we end up with wars and fighting. Without fixing that investment vs labor growth gap, this cycle continues.
If you're in a cold area, most tents are just 3 seasons, so not suitable for winter. Ice fishing tents and the like are better options when it's really cold out.