A very brief summary of The Fourth Turning, for use in a TGD discussion.

Per this book, there's a sequence of national moods (USA, and elsewhere), and a resulting sequence of moods of generations.

You have a crisis.  The young are in the forefront of resolving it.  Great Depression, WWII.  They call that particular generation "GI."  Earlier crises:  US revolution, civil war.

You have a time of stability and growth, as the GIs, trustful of the newly strong institutions, lead in prosperity.  The next generation follows, but w/ less fanfare.  Silent Generation, in our memory.

You have a time of moral upset, calling into question those institutions.  60's and 70's.  New generation:  Gen X'ers, perhaps.

You have a time of "unraveling," as people live with this new division.  Mid 80's to mid 00's.  New generation they call "millenials," but we'd include Gen Y I think.

You have the next crisis.

I"m skeptical of cyclical history too, though their cycle does fit US history so far.  But some of the observations may work even if you don't buy cyclical history.  Such as:  what effect does a crisis have on the young at the time?  It regiments them as soldiers, often; puts them under central control; and makes them used to such regimentation.  If you know a crisis is coming, how should you prepare?  Get used to the idea of sacrifice and such regimentation; pay off major debt and try running a surplus, 'cause you're going to need it.  Republicans:  get used to a bigger role for gov't.  Democrats:  get used to asking what you can do for your country.

More, but that's enough for now.