Generations: Pre-Depression to Silent Generation

• Generations are defined by the shared experiences and historical events that shape their values and perspectives.

Pre-Depression Generation (Roaring Twenties) - 1900 to 1927

• This generation witnessed significant change and the start of a modern consumer culture.
• The American Dream emerged as a pursuit of upward mobility and a better life.
• Technological advancements brought new household appliances like refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines.
• Increased access to credit allowed more Americans to afford these goods.
• The advertising industry and marketing techniques fueled demand for products.
• Radio became a popular form of entertainment and an effective advertising medium, reaching 40% of homes by 1930.
• Women entered the workforce in large numbers during World War I and many remained employed afterward.
• Those who lived through the 1920s experienced the suffering of war, economic depression, and homelessness.

Silent (Lost) Generation/The Greatest Generation - 1928 to 1946

• The 1930s was a terrifying decade marked by economic disorder, totalitarianism, and war.
• The Great Depression in the United States led to bank failures and widespread joblessness.
• A severe drought in the Great Plains created the Dust Bowl, displacing 2.5 million people.
• Many people migrated to California seeking a better life, but faced scarce work and low wages.
• "Hoovervilles" emerged as shelters for homeless families.
• Thousands of teens became drifters, marriages were postponed, and birth rates declined.
• The number of women in the workplace increased, which helped families but challenged traditional gender roles.
• This generation experienced the Great Depression in childhood and World War II in their early twenties.
• Following World War II, they desired stability in their homes, jobs, and families.
• They sought stability through marriage, union jobs, suburban homes, and large families, leading to the Baby Boom.

Baby Boomers Generation - 1946 to 1964

• They lived during a booming American and world economy following World War II.
• The United States became the main global manufacturer, leading to many job opportunities and very low unemployment.
• A surplus of disposable income fueled a thriving consumer culture.
• Families purchased homes in the suburbs with amenities like yards, multiple bedrooms, and family cars.
• Luxury items such as colored TVs, gas-powered lawnmowers, and air conditioners became popular.
• Disposable income allowed many Baby Boomers to afford to send their children to college.
• This generation is associated with hippie culture, protests against the Vietnam War, and the Woodstock concert in 1969.
• The Vietnam War draft in 1969 highlighted the political power of the baby boom generation.
• Protests against the war contributed to the U.S.’s withdrawal from Vietnam.
• The Twenty-sixth Amendment in 1971 lowered the voting age to 18, reflecting the baby boom's political influence.
• Baby Boomers were less likely to participate in institutions like church, marriage, and political parties.

Generation X - 1965 to 1980

• This generation experienced declining birth rates after the Baby Boom, sometimes called the "baby bust".
• More dual-income families, single-parent households, and children of divorce were present during their upbringing.
• Many Gen Xers were latchkey kids, returning to empty homes after school.
• They were the first generation to grow up with personal computers, gaming systems, and cable TV.
• College tuition rates soared, resulting in substantial student loan debt.
• Many Gen Xers experienced unemployment or underemployment and had to move back in with their parents as adults.
• They may be the first generation not to achieve greater financial success than their parents.
• Generation X is more ethnically diverse, less involved in organized religion, and more liberal on social issues.

Overview of the Pre-Depression (Roaring Twenties) and Silent Generations, shaped by shared experiences and historical events. Focus on the rise of consumer culture, technological advancements, and the American Dream. Radio becomes popular, women enter the workforce.