why is it called the silent generation

The Silent Generation is called so because they were seen as more quiet, cautious, and traditional compared to the more vocal and rebellious generations before and after them. The term "Silent Generation" was first documented in a 1951 Time magazine article that noted this generation's characteristic silence relative to the vocal youth of their parents' generation. This generation grew up during difficult times such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the era of McCarthyism, which contributed to their cautious behavior, conformity, respect for authority, and tendency to "work within the system" rather than challenge it. Additionally, during McCarthyism, political repression made it dangerous to freely express opinions, encouraging silence. The name also reflects the smaller size of this generation due to the economic uncertainty of the time which impacted birth rates.