The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy by: William Strauss and Neil Howe

Full Title:
The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy - What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny

This 1997 book is by William Strauss and Neil Howe.

In it, the authors present a theory that Anglo-American history moves in repeating cycles of approximately 80 to 100 years, each divided into four generational “Turnings.” These Turnings, called the High, the Awakening, the Unraveling, and the Crisis - each last about 20 to 25 years and reflect a recurring pattern of social moods and generational archetypes.

According to the book, each generation falls into one of four archetypes, (Prophet, Nomad, Hero, or Artist), which rotate predictably over time, shaping the character of each Turning. The most dramatic phase is the Fourth Turning, a period of upheaval and transformation during which existing institutions collapse and are rebuilt, often following a major crisis.

Strauss and Howe argue that America’s past Fourth Turnings included the Revolutionary War (1770s–1780s), the Civil War (1860s), and the Great Depression and World War II (1930s–1940s). They predict that a new Fourth Turning began in the early 2000s and would likely culminate in a massive crisis between the 2020s and 2030s - a time of reckoning that will determine the future shape of American society.

The book blends history, sociology, and prophecy, offering both a warning and a framework for understanding the rhythms of national life. It’s been influential among political strategists, military planners, and media figures, with some interpreting it as a roadmap rather than a warning.

The way I see it, is either they’re telling you the truth… or they’re letting you in on the plan.