“By comparison with the Flaming Youth of their fathers and mothers, today’s younger generation is a still, small flame… It does not issue manifestoes, make speeches or carry posters. In an article published in 1951, the unnamed essayist wrote: The Silent Generation may seem like an odd name to bestow upon millions of people, but the term actually comes from Time (magazine). Yet it’s often forgotten, with the Greatest Generation and Baby Boomers gaining most of the attention historically. That is why genealogists find this generation such an intriguing one. Late bloomers would also serve in conflicts like the Vietnam War. The earliest members of this generation saw action in World War II, but the majority wouldn’t reach maturity until the Korean War era. Fewer people were starting families and raising children due to the political and economic conditions of the time. It’s a period characterized by a relatively low birth rate. Unlike the Greatest Generation or Baby Boomers, Silent Gen covers a much shorter time frame. This is why even people born abroad during this period have much in common with their American counterparts. Some people also refer to this generation as “Traditionalists” or “Radio Babies.” Note that although this term pertains to people born in the United States, people in other parts of the world have similar characteristics. Silent Generation members were born during the beginning of the Great Depression and the culmination of World War II. The most commonly used range of birth years is 1928 until 1945. The Silent Generation has varying birth years based on who is evaluating it. So, what makes up the Silent Generation period, and why are they called the Silent Generation? Understanding what defines each generation empowers you to grasp the times, the context, and how those ancestors have and will influence future generations. Searching for your ancestors will reveal people who were products of their times. The Silent Generation years are no exception. Every generation has its own characteristics that define those born into it.
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