Question

What impact did the Vietnam War have on the relationship between the baby-boom generation and their parents?

Answer 1

The generation known as the "Baby Boomers" is a demographic cohort that includes those born between 1946 and 1964. This "boom" followed World War II, and reflected the improved economic and social conditions of most of the developed world.

This generation has been identified with the "counterculture." They were some of the first people to develop a specific rhetoric, culture and attitude around their generation. One of the characteristics they displayed was an interest in pacifism. Because of this, the Vietnam War was often a point of contention with their parents. While their parents were more accustomed to the idea of war, and more likely to approve of such measures, Baby Boomers were often against the war, or even against all wars. They saw war as a relic from the past that could be eliminated. Therefore, the relationship between them and their parents was often damaged due to their disagreement over the war.