Of course the previous generations did little to promote capitalism and self sufficiency. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits, Food Stamps, and Housing Assistance among other programs. Is the millennial generation just wanting more of what they grew up with?
You are absolutely right: millennials see how their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have grown the welfare state, and just want more of the same. This is what Fabian socialism is all about.