In one sense, it was almost inevitable. Time creates complacence and such is what sets the stage to be taken advantage of as few, if any, remember what 'used to be' and too few wish to 'risk' what they have in a fight over what isn't remembered.
Another aspect, related to Cloward-Piven, is the overwhelming of the system. Virtually anything/everything is made into a 'crisis,' with each agenda-driven individual/group being primed to take things to the bitter end.
Then you have the 'political class' which became more interested in having power than utilizing it for the common good. As a result, people were divided into 'groups' and set against one another; often, even when those 'groups' actually shared many goals/aspirations.
Of course, there is... Well... A whole lot of reasons.
Did I ever think it would get this crazy? Yep.
Did I do my best to fight against it becoming so? Yep.
Did others do their best? Some, even many in certain instances.
But, there's a reason for the observation. . .