William Strauss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Strauss
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| Born | December 5, 1947 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | December 18, 2007 (aged 60) McLean, Virginia, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
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| Known for | Strauss–Howe generational theory, Capitol Steps, Cappies |
William Strauss (born December 5, 1947 – died December 18, 2007) was an American author, playwright, and theater director. He was also a popular speaker.
He is well-known for his work with Neil Howe. Together, they developed the Strauss–Howe generational theory. This theory looks at how different age groups, or "generations," shape history.
Strauss also helped create two important groups. He co-founded the Capitol Steps, a funny musical group. He also co-founded the Cappies, a program for high school theater students.
Contents
Early Life and School
William Strauss was born in Chicago. He grew up in Burlingame, California.
He went to Harvard University and finished in 1969. Later, in 1973, he earned two more degrees from Harvard. He got a law degree and a master's degree in public policy.
Career Highlights
After college, Strauss worked in Washington, D.C.. He helped a special board that looked into the impact of the Vietnam War. He studied how the war affected young people who were asked to join the military.
In 1978, Strauss wrote two books about the Vietnam War. He wrote them with Lawrence Baskir. These books were called Chance and Circumstance and Reconciliation after Vietnam.
The Capitol Steps
In 1981, William Strauss started a fun project. He gathered some friends who worked in the Senate. They performed funny songs at a Christmas party.
This group was so popular that Strauss decided to make it a professional team. He and Elaina Newport co-founded the Capitol Steps. This was a musical group that made fun of politics.
The Capitol Steps became very successful. They performed all over the country. Strauss wrote many of their songs. They also recorded 27 albums.
Generations and History
In the 1990s, Strauss became a historian and sociologist. He studied how different generations think and act. He explored how these differences affect history.
He wrote seven books about social generations with Neil Howe. Their first book, Generations, came out in 1991.
In 1997, Strauss and Howe started a company called LifeCourse Associates. This company shared their ideas about generations. Strauss worked as a consultant, advising many groups.
Their theory, called the Strauss-Howe generational theory, suggests that history moves in cycles. These cycles are shaped by the different generations living through them.
The Cappies Program
In 1999, Strauss was diagnosed with a serious illness. This inspired him to create something new. He founded the Cappies program.
The Cappies program helps high school theater students. Students watch and review each other's plays and musicals. Their reviews can even be published in big newspapers.
The program also holds special awards events, like the Tonys. Strauss often hosted these events. The Cappies is now an international program. It includes hundreds of high schools.
Strauss also started Critics and Awards Program for High School Students#Cappies International Theater. This is a summer program. Top Cappies students perform plays written by teenagers. He helped students create two new musicals, Edit:Undo and Senioritis. Senioritis was even made into a movie in 2007.
Authoring Books and Plays
William Strauss wrote many books about social generations. He also wrote plays and musicals.
His book Reconciliation After Vietnam (1978) was important. It is believed to have influenced President Jimmy Carter. Carter later pardoned many people who avoided the military draft during the Vietnam War.
His books with Neil Howe include Generations (1991) and The Fourth Turning (1997). These books explore historical generations. They describe a cycle of changing moods in American history. This is now known as the Strauss–Howe generational theory.
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was very impressed by Generations. He called it a very thought-provoking book. He even sent a copy to every member of Congress.
Strauss and Howe also wrote 13th Gen (1993) about Generation X. They wrote Millennials Rising (2000) about the Millennial Generation. They even helped create the term "Millennials."
Strauss also wrote books with Howe about how Millennials affect different areas. These include Millennials Go to College (2003, 2007) and Millennials in the Pop Culture (2005).
He wrote three musicals: MaKiddo, Free-the-Music.com, and Anasazi. He also wrote two plays: Gray Champions and The Big Bump. These plays often explored themes from his books.
He also co-wrote two funny political books with Elaina Newport. These were Fools on the Hill (1992) and Sixteen Scandals (2002).
Death
William Strauss passed away on December 18, 2007. He was 60 years old. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home in McLean, Virginia.
His wife, Janie Strauss, lives in McLean. They were married for 34 years. She served on the Fairfax County School Board for 26 years. They had four grown children.
