The Banking System
The origin of modern money can be seen in these excellent You-Tube cartoon videos. They are really well made -- in such a way that anyone can understand.
After viewing the first vid search for #2 etc. There are 5.
There is No Way Out of this Box : This is one of the few sites that outlines the problem and attempts to offer a solution to the crisis. It's title gives us no clue, but the article does offer some sensible ideas.
For a good history on banking check out Bill Still. His reports are an easy introduction into the politics of finance and banking history. Did you know that Tally Sticks - pieces of wood - yes, real sticks - were used as currency - equivalent to gold, indeed, instead of gold - in the UK for 700 years?