What is meant by the Scriptures which declare that in the last days there would be a fearful time of trouble (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21,22)? Do these scriptures refer to the industrial and social crisis that is now developing throughout the world?

There have been many seasons of severe trouble and destruction in man's history. For example, there was the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, when about a million and a quarter of Jews were slain.  In the French Revolution, vast numbers were slaughtered by the mobs and by the troops–a reign of terror. But the "time of trouble" in the end of this age (not the end of the world for "the earth abides forever"– Ecclesiastes 1:4) is represented as being more dreadful than any preceding experience. The trouble will be world-wide and not a local disturbance as were previous periods of destruction. (See Revelation 16:14; Luke 21:25; Zephaniah 3:8,9.) 

The Scriptures clearly indicate how the trouble will be developed. It will be after the nations have become associated together, forming a general community of interests, such as we see existing now. All will be gathered together by financial, political, and social ties, treaties, and alliances. It will be an industrial and social conflict that will involve all classes and be terrible when the climax is reached. The battle lines are already sharply drawn. Organized capital on the one hand and organized labor on the other are the two forces opposing each other in deadly conflict. The Apostle James writes almost like a Socialist in describing some of the phases of the impending struggle–James 5:1-5. After the "trouble" is over, conditions will be established on a new basis, and an era of peace and prosperity be ushered in– Haggai 2:7.