15 historical events that defined the baby boomer generation

Frank OlitoJun 4, 2020, 03:10 IST

The moon landing.NASA/Handout/Getty Images

The baby boomer generation has experienced some of the most important events in American history.
Politically, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War all affected baby boomers.
Woodstock, Beatlemania, and the moon landing also defined the generation.

Throughout history, protests, concerts, and wars have defined generations — baby boomers are no different.

People who were born after World War II between 1946 and 1964 are considered baby boomers, and they have experienced some of the most significant events in American history.

These are the 15 moments that made the boomer generation who they are today.

Senator Joseph McCarthy began holding public hearings of people accused of communism in 1954.

Senator Joseph McCarthy. Bettmann / Getty

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus, which launched the civil rights movement.

Rosa Parks. Getty Images

John F. Kennedy was elected president in 1960, which was a defining moment for the generation.

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. Boston Globe / Contributor / Getty Images

The Berlin Wall went up in the early 1960s, symbolizing the Cold War.

A man hammers a section of the Berlin Wall near the Brandenburg Gate after the opening of the East German border. FAB/Reuters

In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought fear to everyone in the United States.

President Kennedy and his cabinet dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bettmann / Getty

Martin Luther King, Jr. led his famous March on Washington in 1963.

March on Washington. AP Photo/File

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Texas.

President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. AP

Beatlemania began in 1963, sparking the generation's love for rock music.

Fans screaming for The Beatles. AP

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 changed America forever.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act. AP Photo, File

In 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

Martin Luther King, Jr. AP Photo/Horace Cort

The United States began to draft baby boomers into the Vietnam War in the late '60s.

Americans in Vietnam War. Nik Wheeler/ Getty

When Americans landed on the moon in 1969, it gave members of the baby boomer generation hope.

Moon landing. Associated Press

The Woodstock music festival in 1969 was the quintessential hippie event for baby boomers.

Woodstock. Hulton Archive/ Getty

In 1970, the Kent State shootings left four university students dead.

Kent State shootings. Steven Clevenger / Getty

The Watergate scandal in 1972 was another defining moment in politics for baby boomers.

President Richard Nixon. Historical / Getty

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