(The Survival of Democracy)
Not everyone can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Journalist Tom Brokaw in his 1998 book, The Greatest Generation, labeled that historical segment of the American population which rose out of the Great Depression and fought to victory in World War II as the greatest generation. This included civilians as well as soldiers. America’s population at the time was around 132 million people. The estimated cost of the war to America, alone, would be the loss of over 400,000 lives and close to 345 billion dollars (4 trillion in today’s currency). Although there were many older combatants, the average age was between 18 and 25. However, it took people of every age to combine into a fighting unit to ensure this victory.
Why would Brokaw call them the Greatest Generation? Because they conquered a consortium of brutal dictatorships that sought to dominate the world and restored to global civilization the possibilities of democracy and the blessings of freedom. It was, indeed, a great accomplishment – one that encompassed the globe. They deserve the highest of praise.
However, I suggest that this was not necessarily the greatest generation in American history. Consider the American Revolution of 1775-83. The population of the colonies that engaged this war was around 2.5 million. Upwards of 70,000 people has been estimated to have died from battle, wounds, imprisonment, hardship, and disease. Many of the revolutionary leadership and their families were part of this loss price. Once the impressed local militias from the various colonies had served their brief term in Washington’s army they usually returned home to their community duties. Thus, this rag-tag army was mostly sustained by disenfranchised youth. Moreover, only about a third of the colonists were committed to this war with the rest either against it or in a wait and see posture. It was won through sheer persistence, great sacrifice, brilliant strategies, timely luck, and help from the French.
I would call this small segment of the population a great generation because out of their sacrifice rose a nation devoted to a democracy guided by the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Without them the World War II generation would not exist.
I suggest another consideration. The American Civil War occurred between 1861 and 1865. The American population was around 31 million. Current estimates of potential casualties are upward of 850,000 including civilians. In terms of costs it was over 8 billion dollars (144 billion in today’s currency). It ravaged the landscape as well as families. Although the average age of the Union soldier was 25, there were those whose ages were as low as 12 years.
I would call those who fought for the Union a great generation because they preserved national unity, dissolved slavery, and dealt a severe blow to the forces of racism and economic imperialism. Without them the World War II generation would not exist.
A great generation is one that provides decisive action in the midst of nation threatening circumstance – an action that alters the course of the nation’s history in a compelling and positive manner. The generations of the American Revolution, the Civil War, and WWII all qualify. But none stand above the other.
Unfortunately, at this moment in our history, we find ourselves in a circumstance of similar need. Economic imperialism has captured the American government. And its purpose is to convert democracy into a utility for profit-making. It cares nothing for citizenry worth, citizenry common good, or citizenry vote. And it seems to be overwhelming the forces of democracy through the demented leadership of Donald Trump, the power politics of the Republican Party, and the greed of imperialist capitalists. If this continues unchecked, the end result will be an American oligarchical despotism.
Our nation cries for another great generation to rise to this challenge and set a new direction for its destiny. But if that happens, it will require more than the devotions of the older half of its population. It will require the devotion of the younger generation, as it always has – a devotion that fires the ballot rather than the bullet. This conflict may be less dangerous in respect to physical safety but it is equally dangerous in respect to democracy’s survival. The question is: Will this needed generation rise to the challenge? It may be too late if it waits any longer than now.
No one is truly great who is only great in their lifetime. The test of greatness is the page of history. – William Hazlitt (Degenderized)
Robert
Robert T. Latham
mythinglink.com
Great article, Robert! It challenges us to “the better angels of our character.” As Frederick Douglass once put it, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” It is time to demand a better world than the one we have inherited!