Baby boomers are a time in American history that has been defined by rising birth rates. It’s a culture of people who have had a lot to do with change and the way America today is that the generation will always be remembered in American history.
Baby boomers are generally defined as anyone born between 1946 and 1964, but it is much more than that. There was an increase in the birth rate during all those years until it finally stabilized and returned to normal. But there were 77 million new people in the world. Look what happened before that time. World War II was considered modern warfare. The battles were fought on so many fronts and people died who were not even close to the battlefield.
There was hunger and disease. There was a lack of medical care because the doctors and nurses had to provide their care elsewhere. After the war ended, many things changed. Technology exploded, the healthcare system improved, and families were united. The aftermath of World War II in many countries created a market for foreign companies. Countries that were devastated by war had to be rebuilt. They needed food, services and goods for their people.
The American economy grew over the next decade because of the amount of work that needed to be done. There were jobs for people and better money for families. More money allowed families to consider growing and looking at the numbers, that’s exactly what they did.
Although baby boomers are a huge category, there are two subcategories for baby boomers. The first categorizes those born between 1946 and 1955. These people were greatly affected by the Vietnam War because anyone born after 1955 was not subject to conscription. This group defines itself as free-spirited and forgiving. They are considered for their individualism and their desire to help social causes.
The other group are those who were born after this time and are called Generation X. The memorable events of this group were not so much the Vietnam War, but Watergate, the Cold War and the gasoline shortage. This is the group with distrust of the government. This is the generation that voted for radical change and is generally cynical. However, both groups grew up knowing their enemies as communists.
There is a difference in the two groups, so it is unfair to define a 20-year period. Although the birth rate was high during these years, both were affected by different events and have been characterized in different ways.
Today’s political and social culture in the United States is dominated by baby boomers. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were the first two presidents born in this generation, both born in 1946. Many of their beliefs are those of the baby boom generation. Some were more deeply characterized in others. He believed that the baby boom generation would hold Congress until 2015 and the White House until 2021. They will continue to have a voice in advancing the country for several more years.
Many cultural icons are also part of this generation. They have created movies, music and other entertainment with ideas from the baby boomers. Steve Spielberg created films with apparent Cold War overtones in his films and directed films showing the horrors and traps of war. He produced films that served more than entertainment, but as a message from his generation.
Baby boomers are just one generation in American history who have made a difference in the country. They helped win rights for many different groups, such as civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights.