I recommend reading the book "The Fourth Turning". Its a study of generations and how their dynamics affect or make history.
The generation upcoming (from 1981, end of Gen-X) to now is called the "Millenials" and are set to be the next Hero generation that will help pull us out of the next crisis.
There are supposedly 4 generational archetypes (Artist, Prophet, Nomad, and Hero) and 4 generational seasons (turnings - first, second, third, and fourth) that happen approximately every 20 years. A full cycle through all 4 is about 80 years.
I don't know if I fully buy the theory, but I find myself continually hauling the book out and comparing it to current events, and it often matches up in startling ways.
LQ, Gen-X ("Nomad").
I'm in the Profit Archtype.