In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the fascinating history of the Lost Generation, the demographic cohort born between 1883 and 1900. Coming of age just before or during World War I, this generation faced unprecedented global conflict, mass mobilization, and profound disillusionment. We explore how their survival through the brutal war and the deadly Spanish flu pandemic fueled the massive cultural rebellion of the Roaring Twenties, bringing about the rise of the independent, boundary-pushing flapper.

We also delve into the famous circle of American expatriate writers living in 1920s Paris. Discover how the iconic phrase "Lost Generation" was coined by Gertrude Stein, and how legendary authors like Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises) and F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby) immortalized the era's decadence and the death of the American Dream. From surviving the trenches to navigating the economic devastation of the Great Depression, join us as we explore the resilience, tragedies, and enduring cultural legacy of the very first generation to mature in the 20th century.

"Source credit: Research for this episode included Wikipedia articles accessed 3/10/2026. Wikipedia text is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; content here is summarized/adapted in original wording for commentary and educational use."