Generations by William Strauss

The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069

A social history and theory that argues American history follows recurring, cyclical patterns of four generational archetypes—a repeating saeculum of “turnings”—each shaped by shared formative events and attitudes; by identifying these archetypes and the characteristic behaviors of generations at different stages, the book explains how generational succession influences public mood, political conflict, institutional change, and long-term national rhythms.