Top 10 Generations That Changed the World

#10: Millennials

Born Between 1981 & 1996

Well be kicking things off in the recent sphere with Millennials. Theres certainly room for debate when it comes to delineating generational attributes. However, its safe to say that this generation, alongside those considered under the banner of Gen Z, are technologically savvy. The former can recall an era pre-internet, however, whereas the latter are considered to be natives to 24/7 connectivity. Millennials, as a result, can speak to both worlds with confidence. Their generation is often seen as one that cares deeply for their immediate families, as well as the world around themseeking to leave both in a better place.

#9: The Glorious Generation

Born Between 1648 & 1673

We, as a society, love to gently (or perhaps not so gently) needle previous generations for certain, stereotypical foibles. This idea is nothing new, yet still feels largely shortsighted when one thinks about just how far back the Strauss-Howe generation theory takes its data. The Glorious Generation has been defined as those with high-minded ideas about certain sectors of everyday life we may take for granted. These folks helped design and popularize ideas of insurance, as well as forgoing gold and silver for paper currency with an agreed-upon value. The Glorious Generation sought representation at a local and national level, encouraging each other to seek political offices that could incite major change.

#8: Generation X

Born Between 1965 & 1980

Change doesnt occur in a vacuum and is often initiated via the actions of previous generations. It was a different time is a phrase that often comes up when it comes to the laissez-faire attitude Baby Boomers had with regards to the raising of their Gen X kids. Those same kids obviously inherited a different world, but noticed this and made changes to their behavior. Groundswells of LGBTQIA+ rights didnt start with Gen X, but they almost certainly normalized it. Meanwhile, Gen X parents often sought the safety of their children at all costs, tightening the loose leash of their folks with a style that some may refer to as helicoptering yet Gen X-ers might just call caring.

#7: Baby Boomers

Born Between 1946 & 1964

The old proverb of children being seen and not heard was thankfully ignored by the Baby Boom Generation. These folks may be unfairly scapegoated today within memes and popular culture, but its important to recognize that many Boomers took active roles in their childrens lives at least in comparison to their forebears. Baby Boomers could see things both ways, having defied the conservative wishes of their own parents during the tumultuous 60s and 70s. This made the path easier for young people to express themselves, as opposed to living under the thumb of parental rule. Boomers also pushed forward art and culture in major ways, blurring boundaries of psychedelia and political dialogue in an important and enduring manner.

#6: The Reprisal Generation

Born Between 1512 & 1540

Its the colonization of America by post-Erikson Europeans that unites generations such as the Puritans and Elizabethans with The Reprisal Generation of 1512 to 1540. The formers religious fervor came with them over to the original 13 colonies, while the latter pushed forward trade, conquest and the arts. Meanwhile, The Reprisal Generation also lived through the decline of Spains dominant influence in Europe after their Armada failed to conquer England in 1588. This failure helped shatter that glass ceiling and helped allow further expansion in the New World for a still very young America.

#5: Republican Generation

Born Between 1742 & 1766

The fruits of the American Revolution were harvested by members of the Republican Generation, who themselves picked up the slack from the previous Liberty Generation. It wasnt only the United States that benefited from the Republican Generation, however, since those born during this time also earned fame in France with their own Revolution. These generations sought individual independence from the monarchies of their day, and embraced enlightened viewpoints of both political and sociological ideas. Its important to note that the term Republicanism, under this meaning, denotes inspiration from ancient Rome. Specifically, its appreciation of a self-governing spirit, political awareness and energetic activity for change.

#4: Missionary Generation

Born Between 1860 & 1882

The struggles of Americas Civil War helped define the lives of those born after its end in 1865. The Missionary Generation helped to change things within a fractured United States still healing during Reconstruction. Crusades for social change occurred under their watch, for womens rights, union strength and assistance for minorities. Education was valued, as was religious faith, with teetotalism influencing the movement for Prohibition. President Roosevelts New Deal and the establishment of Social Security was a by-product of the Missionaries: a generation with strong and sometimes controversial opinions about how things should be run.

#3: The Gilded Generation

Born Between 1822 & 1842

There is no perfect generation. The ideals and actions of any generation is subject for debate, when it comes to its longstanding legacy. The Gilded Generation desired material goods, and were willing to do whatever it took to achieve a life free from fanatical devotion to religious or educational institutions. It would be young members of The Gilded Generation that fought in Americas Civil War, and saw the abolishment of slavery during their lifetimes. Railroads flourished, and the U.S. saw a massive influx of immigrants. This Gilded Age saw a growing disparity between the rich and the poor, however, with wages increasing exponentially for somewhile remaining a moot point for the rest.

#2: The Greatest Generation [aka The G.I. Generation]

Born Between 1901 & 1927

Its some moniker, isnt it? The Greatest Generation. Many of those born during this era probably didnt believe, as kids, that their generation would amount to much. A generation raised during Americas Great Depression, when food, jobs and resources were scarce. It would be adults from The Greatest Generation that would achieve fame due to their dubious distinction of being draft age during the Second World War. Soldiers from this generation had to become heroes, putting their lives on the line in defense of freedom against the tyrannical Axis Powers. That said, many children of The Greatest Generation have come out in recent years to reveal the trauma of being raised by strict parents who endured too much, too youngand paid the price.

#1: The Humanist Generation

Born Between 1461 & 1482

This is only the second generation to be explored within Strauss and Howes theory, just after The Arthurian Generation. The Humanist Generation was responsible for some of historys greatest artists and thinkers, from Michelangelo in Italy to Polands Copernicus to Sir Thomas More of England. The hardships of a life lived during the Middle Ages was notably brightened with the Renaissance, and many members of The Humanist Generation would teach or promote artistic endeavors. Quality of life was favored by Humanists, which was a refreshingly optimistic outlook during an age where virtually nothing, not even tomorrow, was guaranteed.

Did you learn anything new about any generation that may have changed any of your preconceived notions? Let us know in the comments!