The
Silent Generation refers to people who were born between 1925 and 1945. There are several theories as to where the label 'Silent Generation' originated. The children who grew up during this time worked very hard and kept quiet. It was commonly understood that children should be seen and not heard.
During this time, the House Committee on Un-American Activities launched an assault on
political freedom in America. This, in conjunction with
Senator Joseph McCarthy's overzealous attempts to feed anti-communist sentiment in America, made it dangerous for people to speak freely about their opinions and beliefs. They became cautious about where they went and whom they were seen with. Therefore, the people were effectively 'silenced.'
"This group of people, most known for their
hard work, just stopped talking
one day" ?
"Yes, the silent generation is what
most people call them".