The Greatest Generation is defined as...
...the “G.I. Generation” or “WWII Generation” (1925-1939)
The Greatest Generation suffered through one of America’s hardest times: the Great Depression. This generation knew the value of struggle, hard work, and perseverance. Many members of this generation are still reluctant to trust the banks. Younger members of the WWII Generation would have fought in WWII; older members would remember their parents working hard to make ends meet. The G.I. Generation definitely knows the value of a dollar, and the value of good old fashioned hard work.
According to Wikipedia, "The 'Greatest Generation' is a term coined by journalist Tom Brokaw to describe the generation who grew up in the United States during the deprivation of the Great Depression, and then went on to fight in World War II.
The generation is sometimes referred to as the G.I. Generation (a term coined by authors William Strauss and Neil Howe who are known for their generational theory). It follows the Lost Generation who fought in World War I and precedes the Silent Generation who did not come of age until near the end of the war.
The Greatest Generation is generally agreed to have begun in 1901, as those people would have turned 18 after World War I ended. However, people born from 1901-1909 came of age during the 1920s and identified more with the culture of that decade than the 1930s and 1940s. The core of the Greatest Generation consists of those born in 1914-1924, with 1925-1927 forming a bridge to the Silent Generation."
*The below research outlines the cultural influences that were released during the birth time of Generation Z. Obviously, Generation Z members are also influenced by other generations. For more on other generations, go to our generations menu.