Tennessee Genealogical Society Blog
Follow TnGenSoc on
  • TnGenSoc Blog
  • Home
  • TN Genealogical Society Photos
  • Tennessee Links to Places of Interest

The Silent Generation: Characteristics and History

1/27/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
By  Robert Smith (originally published December 2, 2020)

The term “Silent Generation” was first documented in a 1951 Time magazine article, which claimed that the most startling fact about this generation was its silence: “By comparison with the Flaming Youth of their fathers and mothers, today's younger generation is a still, small flame.”

The generation’s “silent” behavior has been attributed to the difficult times in which they were born, as well as their coming of age during McCarthyism. Though the Silent Generation is known for traditionalist behavior and a desire to work within the system rather than to change it, many not-so-silent and untraditional members of this generation shaped the world in significant ways.

The Birth Years of the Silent Generation
As with all generations, the birth years given for the Silent Generation vary depending on who creates the evaluation or defines the term. An often-used range, however, is 1928–1945. These years span from the beginning of the Great Depression to the end of World War II. People born during this time are also sometimes called “Radio Babies” or “Traditionalists.”

The term “Silent Generation” mainly refers to people living in the United States, but in some other parts of the world, war and economic trouble led to similar characteristics and behaviors in people born during this time.

Who Are the Silent Generation?
The oldest members of this generation were born at or near the beginning of the Great Depression. They were children during World War II and came of age during the 1950s and 60s. This generation is significantly smaller than their predecessors, those of the Greatest Generation, and smaller than the next generation, the Baby Boomers.

Many scholars believe that the Silent Generation’s low birth rate was due to the uncertainty and difficult conditions of the time, which meant that fewer people felt secure in starting families and raising children. The Silent Generation, as well as the Greatest Generation, were the parents of the Baby Boomers.

Characteristics of the Silent Generation
The Silent Generation began life in some of the most difficult conditions, including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and economic and political uncertainty. The circumstances surrounding their upbringing led many of this generation to adopt cautious, conscientious behavior. The members of this generation also often have the characteristics described below.
  • The Silent Generation is thrifty. Members of this generation were born at a time when, because of war rationing and economic uncertainty, some of their parents could barely afford to feed them. This tragic situation led to a new way of thinking about resources, and these children found themselves raised with thriftiness in mind.
  • The Silent Generation is respectful. Members of this generation typically have a deep respect for authority. They often worked in the same job or company for the majority of their careers.
  • The Silent Generation is loyal. Members of this generation are not only loyal to their careers but also to their religious beliefs, their relationships, and their families. They value stability and likewise are stable and dependable.
  • The Silent Generation is determined. This generation experienced many difficult times and challenges. Survival required grit and strength and a strong sense of determination.


Their Slice of History
Korean War
The soldiers sent to Korea during the Korean War were primarily from the Silent Generation. While this conflict is sometimes referred to as the “Forgotten War,” it has not been forgotten by this generation. The conflict defined a significant part of their lives and deepened the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Many brave soldiers lost their lives.

McCarthyism and the Red Scare
The McCarthy era was one of fear and enforced conformity. It got its name from United States Senator Joseph McCarthy but was a widespread phenomenon. During this time, many people in the United States feared communist spies or communist sympathizers. Because of this fear, some government officials began screenings and trials to determine loyalty. Many citizens were accused and lost their careers, and some were imprisoned. Joseph McCarthy is most remembered for his investigations, which are often compared to witch hunts. Due to this social turmoil in their early adulthood, those of the Silent Generation would try keep their heads down.

​Civil Rights Movement
While the generation may be called silent, many of the most influential voices in the civil rights movement were a part of this generation. These civil rights activists were anything but silent, advocating for change and equality. Nearly all the great leaders of the civil rights movement were a part of the Silent Generation. Martin Luther King Jr., born in 1929, was one of the most influential leaders at that time. The Little Rock Nine Students, born during the years 1940–1942, were among the first to integrate schools. These members of the Silent Generation, along with other members of the Silent Generation who were involved in this historic movement, were incredibly influential and inspiring.

The Silent Generation in Your Family
Who in your family tree is a part of the Silent Generation? What were their experiences during their lives? Learn more about your family’s story by exploring your family tree and recording their memories and experiences.

Photo Credit: National Archives and Records Administration



Picture
0 Comments

THE TENNESSEE ELECTRONIC LIBRARY (TEL)

1/21/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
DID YOU KNOW... The Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) is a virtual online library that gives Tennessee residents access to magazines, journals, newspapers, essays, e-books, primary source materials, test preparation, homework help, genealogy records, career search, and more! TEL resources are available free to the public from any computer with Internet access in Tennessee. That's access to more than 400,000 electronic resources including magazines, scholarly journals, podcasts, videos, e-books, test preparation materials, federal census records and Tennessee primary source materials!

The Tennessee Electronic Library is made possible through funding provided by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and TEL is administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives, a division of the Tennessee Department of State.

The following databases are available thru TEL and maybe useful for genealogical research. 

 
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers - Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1789-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present including 125 newspapers from Tennessee. 
Digital Library of Tennessee - The Digital Library of Tennessee provides free access to unique materials from museums, libraries, and archives across the state.
Digital Public Library of America - The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) brings together the riches of America’s libraries, archives, and museums, and makes them freely available to the world. 
HeritageQuest Online - Collection of genealogical and historical sources, with coverage dating back to the 1700s. Search U.S. census records, full-text family and local history books, Freedman's Bank records and more.
Knoxville News Sentinel - *NEW RESOURCE* - The Knoxville News Sentinel is a daily newspaper founded in Knoxville, Tennessee. It covers the news in Knoxville and the surrounding area from the 1880s to today. 
Memphis Commercial Appeal - *NEW RESOURCE* -The Memphis Commercial Appeal is a daily newspaper founded in Memphis,Tennessee. It covers the news in Memphis and the surrounding area from the 1840s to today. 
Newspapers.com Southeast Edition - *NEW RESOURCE* - Newspapers.com Southeast Edition provides access to newspapers from the southeast United States including 2000+ historical and recent newspapers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Tennessee Records on Ancestry.com - Tennessee records, including birth, death, and tax lists are available online thru a partnership with Ancestry.com. While other Ancestry.com resources require a subscription; these records are free for Tennesseans. 
Tennessee State Library & Archives Digitized Books - The Tennessee State Library & Archives has digitized a selection of out-of-copyright books in order that they may be accessible online for researchers.
Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) - Digital repository of Tennessee history and culture featuring historical records, photographs, documents, maps, postcards, film, audio and other original materials of enduring value. 
The Tennessean (1812 - 2009) - Digitized pages of The Tennessean (1812-2009) provide unique historical insight into the regional issues and concerns, such as local government, industrialization, prohibition, and racial struggles. 
The Tennessean (2010-Present) - *NEW RESOURCE* - Full color issues of The Tennessean newspaper with a seven day delay from publication. Provides Nashville and Middle Tennessee regional coverage. 
0 Comments

MAAGI VIRTUAL CLASS OPPORTUNITIES

1/17/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
PRESS RELEASE

​
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) is pleased to announce that registration is open for virtual classes from July 11-13, 2023. Click HERE to register
 

Registrants can select from four educational Tracks available over three days for the intense study of African American Genealogy:
 
Track 1A: Fundamental Research Methods and Strategies 
                  “Research, Analyze, Formulated the Question and Learn”
       
           1B:  Methods and Strategies for Slave Era Research
                  “Learn New Strategies to explore and analyze Slave Era Resources.
 
Track 2A: DNA & Genealogy – This is a beginner class with a focus on understanding the various DNA testing sites and how to analyze DNA results.
 
           2B:  DNA & Genealogy - This class is for individuals that have grasped the fundamentals of DNA testing and are offered strategies to analyze results and delve into the use of third-party tools.
  
Track 3: Intermediate Genealogy: Pre & Post Slavery Era Research 
                “Skill building, methodology, technology enhancement, researching slave records”
 
Track 4:  Freedmen of the Five Tribes:  Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole Genealogy – “Learn the methods of researching and documenting your history”
 

REASONS TO ATTEND MAAGI
  • Improve your research methodology and enhance your critical thinking skills in research analysis.
  • Learn from nationally recognized genealogy lecturers
  • Obtain consultation, instruction, and analysis from experienced faculty.
  • Network: Join a unique group in the evening for problem-solving and discussion of classwork
 
MAAGI:  THE TEACHING INSTITUTE

 
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/643868735641328   
Follow us on Twitter @MAAGIInstitute 
 e-mail:  maagiinstitute@gmail.com

0 Comments

    Enter your email address to receive blog posts by email:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

     Subscribe in a reader

    Ansearchin' News 
    Home

    Tennessee Genealogical Society
    Germantown Regional History
         and Genealogy Center
    7779 Poplar Pike 
    Germantown, TN 38138

    Archives

    January 2023
    April 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    May 2021
    December 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    April 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    February 2015
    October 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012

    Categories

    All
    African American Research
    Birth Records
    Boundary Changes
    Bounty Land
    Business
    Census
    Civil War
    Collierville
    Cordova
    Cordova Museum
    Counties
    Courthouses
    Davies Manor Plantation
    DNA
    Family
    Field Trips
    Fire
    Genealogical Proof Standard
    Genealogy
    Genealogy Education
    Genetics
    Germantown
    Google
    Land
    Lectures
    Maps
    Memphis
    Military
    Native American
    Newspaper Research
    Organizing
    Poetry
    Research
    Shelby County
    Software
    Spring Lecture Series
    Spring Seminar
    Technology
    Tennessee
    Tennessee History
    Vital Records
    Wills

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.