Strauss and Howe laid the groundwork for their theory in their book Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069 (1991), which discusses the history of the United States as a series of generational biographies going back to 1584. Ultimately, succeeding generational archetypes attack and weaken institutions in the name of autonomy and individualism, which eventually creates a tumultuous political environment that ripens conditions for another crisis.

During this recovery, institutions and communitarian values are strong. The theory states that a crisis recurs in American history after every saeculum, which is followed by a recovery (high). They are part of a larger cyclical ' saeculum' (a long human life, which usually spans between 80 and 100 years, although some saecula have lasted longer). Each generational persona unleashes a new era (called a turning) lasting around 20–25 years, in which a new social, political, and economic climate (mood) exists.

According to the theory, historical events are associated with recurring generational personas (archetypes). The Strauss–Howe generational theory, devised by William Strauss and Neil Howe, describes a theorized recurring generation cycle in American history and Western history.

Gen 8 heroes state of survival