Final answer:
Post-1960, several significant recessions can be identified based on GDP data, including those in the early 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, early 2000s, and the COVID-19 recession in 2020.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we define a recession as a significant decline in national output, several post-1960 recessions can be identified in addition to the 2008-2009 recession, based on historical economic data. Notable examples include the recessions that occurred in the early 1970s, the early 1980s, the early 1990s, and the early 2000s. Each of these downturns was characterized by a noticeable decrease in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is a primary indicator of national output and economic health.
Most notably, the early 1980s experienced a severe recession, with significant declines in GDP, high inflation, and rising unemployment rates. The 2001 recession, although relatively mild compared to others, was also significant and was associated with the bursting of the dot-com bubble and the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
In addition to these historical recessions, the recession induced by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 also saw a precipitous decline in GDP, making it another example of a significant recessionary period.