The Silent Generation

Authors: Mitchell Esbenshade, William Young, Kyle Jenko, Nikolas Watson, Jacob Marasco

The Silent Generation includes everyone born between 1928 and 1945. They grew up during the 1930s up until the late 1950s, and were shaped by the technologies that were prevalent during this time. The later of these years created a large impact on the American mentality as Americans exited the Great Depression and entered the second World War. By the 20th century, Japan would invade IndoChina in an attempt to expand territory. The United States responded by cutting trading with Japan and ceasing oil exports. Frustrated by the lack of cooperation from the US, on December 7th, 1941 Japan launched a “preemptive” strike on Pearl Harbor. The events from this would lead the United States into World War II on the side of the Allies.

Looking for a way to end World War II as fast as possible, the United States government invested its resources into studying the energy stored in atoms. In 1942 the first nuclear reactor was built leading the way towards developing nuclear physics as a study. Knowledge gained from the construction of the nuclear reactor would later be implemented into the design of a new super weapon: the atomic bomb. Capable of leveling cities with a single bomb, the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 leading to a quick end of World War II.

Growing up during the war, Americans of the Silent Generation witnessed their country cement its status as a world superpower. Participation in World War II and its after effects shaped the development of a variety of technologies for generations to come. The United States made significant technological advancements in artillery, transportation, and even medicine, all because of the massive war effort. These technologies continued to be prevalent in America after the war, changing the Silent Generation’s ways of life.