The Greatest Generation Grows Up: American Childhood in the 1930s

by Kriste Lindenmeyer

What was it like growing up in the Great Depression, and how did America's youngest citizens contribute to the history of that fateful decade? In The Greatest Generation Grows Up, Kriste Lindenmeyer shows that the experiences of depression-era children help us understand the course of the 1930s as well as the history of American childhood. For the first time, she notes, federal policy extended childhood dependence through the teen years while cultural changes reinforced this ideal of modern childhood. Grade-based grammar schools and high schools expanded rapidly, strengthening age-based distinctions among children and segregating them further from the world of adults. Radio broadcasters, filmmakers, and manufacturers began to market their products directly to children and teens, powerfully linking consumerism and modern childhood. In all, the thirties experience worked to confer greater identity on American children, and Ms. Lindenmeyer's story provides essential background for understanding the legacy of those men and women whom Tom Brokaw has called "America's greatest generation." While many children suffered terribly during these years—and are remembered vividly in the Farm Security Administration's stunning photographs of the era—Ms. Lindenmeyer argues that an exclusive focus on those who were ill-housed, ill-fed, and ill-clothed neglects the contributions and widely varied experiences of American youngsters. The decade's important changes touched the lives of all children and teenagers. By 1940, the image of an idyllic modern childhood had been strengthened in law and confirmed in culture by the depression years. With 21 black-and-white illustrations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2005

Reviews

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting book. I'm reading brokaws book Greatest Generation right now and wanted to get a full perspective. while the goal of this book was not to decry Roosevelt or the new deal, a discerning reader surmises quickly that Roosevelt's policies have destroyed us as a nation economically. this book recommended for US history students. well-researched and documented. had a personal touch with individual stories but did not come to conclusions based on isolated incidents which is brokaw's book in a nutshell. good read.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindenmeyer obviously researched quite a bit and pulled together different types of sources to present this book on childhood in the 1930s. She uses a mix of personal accounts with the political changes of the New Deal to show how the concept of childhood changed in the 1930s and developed into the modern childhood ideal. Overall, it's a fresh look at a well-known decade, and it's entertaining to read about the experiences of this generation growing up.

[Claire Hilaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of childhood in the 1920's and 1930's. Fairly easy read as well. There are some political and social conclusions throughout the book that seem a little out of place, but the author is obviously well versed in her subject matter and very insightful.