The GI Generation

Authors – Simon Penso, David Barnett, and Dion Robinson

The G.I. Generation, as the name suggests, are defined by their service in World War II. However, this defining event is not the first or only cultural event to shape this generation. Born between 1901 and 1927, most of this generation experienced both the highs of the Roaring 20’s and the lows of the Great Depression before coming of age. The economic boom of the 1920s saw revolutions in technology that would transform American culture for this generation, while the Great Depression hardened them to tough conditions and prepared them for the crucible of worldwide conflict. Known for their toughness and bravery during the war, as well as their make-do resolve during the depression, it is no surprise this generation is also known as the ‘Greatest Generation’.

While this chapter will not present an exhaustive account of how technology changed the lives of the G.I. Generation, we feel that the greatest changes came about in three areas. First, new communication technologies connected Americans across the country and world, exposing them like never before to to-the-minute current events and cultural happenings. Second, a revolution in transportation brought about by the automobile and airplane gave Americans new freedom and independence in travel. Thirdly, a mechanization of agricultural technologies and methods inadvertently caused the dust bowl. Due to a poor understanding of the technology they were using, farmers caused damage to our environment.