The Silent Generation refers to the cohort of Americans born between 1925 and 1945. They were given this name because they tended to be more conservative and cautious than previous generations. The Silent Generation came of age during times of war and economic hardship, which contributed to their reserved nature. So what were the generations that came before the Silent Generation?
The Lost Generation
The generation born between 1883 and 1900 is often referred to as the Lost Generation. This group came of age during World War I and the years following it. The devastating impact of the war caused many young people to become disillusioned and aimless, hence the moniker “lost.” Famous figures from this generation include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.
Some key facts about the Lost Generation:
- They rejected traditional values and beliefs
- Many moved to Europe and lived as expatriates, especially in Paris
- They pioneered new styles of music, art, and literature
- Notable works: The Great Gatsby, The Sun Also Rises, The Waste Land
The disillusionment of the Lost Generation was a product of experiencing the horror and destruction of World War I firsthand. This shaped their skeptical worldview and search for meaning through art and creativity.
The Missionary Generation
Born between 1860 and 1882, the Missionary Generation came before the Lost Generation. They were given their name because of their moralistic, principled values and desire to “improve” society.
Here are some key facts about this generation:
- Grew up during a religious revival in the late 1800s
- Were activists focused on social reforms like Prohibition
- Served in World War I but were too old to be soldiers
- Noteworthy figures: William James, Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony
The Missionary Generation believed in civic duty, moral righteousness, and self-discipline. They spearheaded progressive reforms such as women’s suffrage but also more puritanical changes like Prohibition. Their moral idealism was a response to the corruption and excess of the Gilded Age.
The Gilded Generation
Born between 1822 and 1842, the Gilded Generation straddled the Civil War era. They took their name from the opulent Gilded Age that emerged in late 19th century America.
Here are the defining traits of this generation:
- Benefited economically from industrialization and westward expansion
- Pursued material wealth and status symbols
- Developed thriving urban areas and transportation networks
- Well-known figures: Cornelius Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, Ulysses S. Grant
The Gilded Generation exploited new technologies and lax government oversight to build enormous fortunes. While poverty was widespread, the wealthy lived very opulent lifestyles, spawning the term “Gilded Age.”
Transcendental Generation
Those born between 1782 and 1821 fall into what’s called the Transcendental Generation. They came of age before and during the Industrial Revolution.
Here is an overview of this generation:
- Witnessed dramatic changes from handcrafting to factories
- Included founders of transcendental philosophy like Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Focused on nature, individualism, and simple living
- Notable figures: Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Transcendental Generation sought to ground themselves amidst the disruptions of early 19th century America. They did this through a back-to-nature, reflective philosophy we now call transcendentalism.
The Revolutionary Generation
Those born between 1730 and 1766 were shaped profoundly by the American Revolution, hence the name Revolutionary Generation.
Here are some key facts about them:
- Came of age in British Colonial America
- Included leaders of the independence movement like Thomas Jefferson
- Established foundational U.S. institutions and principles
- Notable figures: Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams
Having witnessed British tyranny firsthand, the Revolutionary Generation devoted themselves to the cause of liberty. Their republican values and sacrifice paved the way for American democracy.
The Enlightenment Generation
Born from 1648 to 1729, this was the generation profoundly shaped by the Age of Enlightenment.
Some characteristics include:
- Embraced reason, science, and individual liberty
- Laid the foundations for modern democracy and market economics
- Included early Enlightenment thinkers like Isaac Newton and Voltaire
- Also had religious leaders like Jonathan Edwards and Cotton Mather
The Enlightenment Generation embraced the power of knowledge and human reason to better society. The seeds they planted gave rise to human rights and free markets in generations to come.
The Puritan Generation
Born between 1588 and 1647, those of the Puritan Generation were, not surprisingly, defined by the Puritan faith.
They had these defining traits:
- Were Protestant religious dissidents in England
- Established Puritan colonies in America like Massachusetts Bay
- Lived devout, industrious lives in their communities
- Well-known figures: John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson
Escaping religious persecution back home, the Puritan Generation journeyed to America to build a holy community. Their faith brought structure and moral purpose to their daily lives.
The Elizabethan Generation
Those born between 1527 and 1587 came of age during England’s Elizabethan era under Queen Elizabeth I.
Here are some of their defining qualities:
- Saw a flourishing of arts and culture, especially theater and poetry
- Lived during the English Renaissance and Age of Discovery
- Included writers like William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser
- Also had explorers like Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh
The Elizabethan Generation was marked by explorations abroad and artistic accomplishments at home. English culture saw its greatest literary flowering thanks to writers like Shakespeare and Marlowe.
Conclusion
Each generation faces its own unique challenges and opportunities. This shapes the values, lifestyles, and accomplishments of those who come of age during that era. The generations before the Silent Generation dealt with events like colonization, revolution, religious reformations, and the birth of modern science and democracy. Tracing these generational timelines provides insight into how historical circumstances influence generational personalities.
While the specific names and time spans may vary, generations throughout history have built and improved on the achievements of those who came before them. Each generation inevitably leaves its mark on society. The Greatest Generation and Baby Boomers also played significant roles in shaping the America inherited by the more recent Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z cohorts. By studying generational timelines and traits, we hope to better understand the cycles of history and the progress of civilization down through the generations.