Strauss–Howe generational theory The Strauss–Howe generational
theory, created by authors William Strauss and Neil Howe,
identifies a recurring generational cycle in American history.
Strauss and Howe lay the groundwork for the theory in their 1991
book Generations, which retells the history of America as a
series of generational biographies going back to 1584. In their
1997 book The Fourth Turning, the authors expand the theory to
focus on a fourfold cycle of generational types and recurring
mood eras in American history. Their consultancy, LifeCourse
Associates, has expanded on the concept in a variety of
publications since then. The theory was developed to describe
the history of the United States, including the 13 colonies and
their Anglo antecedents, and this is where the most detailed
research has been done. However, the authors have also examined
generational trends elsewhere in the world and identified
similar cycles in several developed countries. The books are
best-sellers and the theory has been wi