The Greatest Generation refers to the generation of Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and went on to fight in World War II. They were born between 1901 and 1927. So what came before the Greatest Generation?
The Lost Generation
The generation born before the Greatest Generation is known as the Lost Generation. This generation was born between 1883 and 1900. They came of age during World War I and the Roaring Twenties. Some key facts about the Lost Generation:
- They were called “lost” because after World War I, many felt disillusioned and directionless.
- Many were cynical about America and rejected traditional values.
- They had more economic opportunities and social mobility than previous generations.
- New technology like cars, planes, radio, and movies emerged during their lifetimes.
- Many Lost Generation writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway became famous for their novels and short stories.
World War I
World War I was a defining experience for the Lost Generation. Though America entered the war late, over 4 million Americans served in the military during the war. The brutality of trench warfare and horrific loss of life left many disillusioned about humanity and human progress.
The war also disrupted traditional social patterns. With so many young men fighting overseas, more young women entered the workforce, gaining economic independence and social freedom.
The Roaring Twenties
After the hardship of World War I, the 1920s were a period of cultural openness and economic prosperity. New technology helped drive the Roaring Twenties:
- Mass production made consumer goods like cars, appliances, and radios more affordable.
- Commercial radio broadcasting became popular entertainment.
- Motion pictures with sound became a new art form and pastime.
The Lost Generation came of age in this fast-paced, modern era. Trends like urbanization, a larger middle class, and consumerism shaped their experiences.
The Great Depression
Though the economy boomed in the 1920s, wealth was concentrated among the rich. Most Americans didn’t share in the prosperity. The stock market crash of 1929 led to the Great Depression, bringing poverty and hardship to most Americans.
The Lost Generation entered mid-life during the Great Depression. Having grown up during stable Victorian times, they were ill-prepared for the economic collapse.
GI Generation
Before the Lost Generation was the GI Generation, born between 1901 and 1927. This cohort came of age during the Great Depression and WWII eras.
World War I
The GI Generation were too young to fight in WWI, but the war still shaped their worldview. They grew up in a time of instability and rapid social change caused by the war.
The Roaring Twenties
As young adults in the 1920s, the GI Generation embraced the new freedoms and opportunities of this modern era. Many prospered during the economic boom.
The Great Depression
When the Great Depression hit, the GI Generation suffered financial devastation. But their setbacks helped define their grit, resourcefulness, and determination.
World War II
World War II dominated the GI Generation’s young adult years. Over 16 million Americans served in WWII, forging their sense of duty and collective purpose.
Missionary Generation
Preceding the GI Generation was the Missionary Generation, born between 1860 and 1882. They were too old to serve in World War I but strongly influenced the culture and politics of that era.
Victorian America
Growing up, the Missionary Generation lived in a rapidly industrializing but socially conservative Victorian society. Victorian values like religious piety, social propriety, and family values shaped them.
Progressive Era
As the Missionary Generation entered adulthood in the early 1900s, progressivism emerged as a powerful political movement. Progressives pushed for social and political change through legislation, expanding the government’s role in American life.
World War I
Though too old to serve, the Missionary Generation strongly supported American involvement in World War I. They viewed the war as an ideological crusade on behalf of democracy and morality.
Roaring Twenties
In the 1920s, the Missionary Generation bemoaned the frivolity and unbridled consumerism of the younger Lost Generation. They called for a return to traditional values.
Great Depression and New Deal
As America’s elder statesmen, the Missionary Generation led the policy response to the Great Depression. Their progressivism shaped Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal.
The Gilded Generation
The Gilded Generation refers to those born during the Gilded Age, between 1822 and 1842. They witnessed massive economic, technological, and demographic changes in late 19th century America.
Westward Expansion
As young adults from the 1840s to 1860s, the Gilded Generation pioneered the settlement of the American West. Westward expansion was facilitated by new technologies like the cotton gin, steamboats, and railroads.
Industrial Revolution
The Gilded Age brought rapid industrialization to America. New innovations like electricity, petroleum, chemicals, and steel transformed the nation from a rural agrarian society into an urban industrial power.
Immigration
During the Gilded Age, over 25 million immigrants came to America, greatly expanding the workforce for industry. This influx of immigrants also challenged assimilation.
Corruption and Inequality
The Gilded Age saw ostentatious wealth for industrialists contrasted with poverty for workers. Political machines and party bosses dominated corrupt urban politics.
Progressivism
As the Gilded Generation entered leadership in the late 1800s, progressivism emerged to address political corruption, economic inequality, and labor issues through government reform.
Conclusion
Each generation in American history has faced unique circumstances that have shaped their cultural identity and defined their contributions. The Lost Generation came of age during the upheaval of World War I and prosperity of the 1920s. The GI Generation was defined by the Depression and World War II. And so on, back through each era of American life.