Meaning: The quote by Steve Buyer, a politician, reflects on the impact of the Great Depression on the values and character of the generation that experienced it. The Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, was a period of severe economic hardship, mass unemployment, and widespread poverty in the United States and around the world. It was a time of immense suffering and struggle for millions of people, and its effects were deeply felt by an entire generation.

The phrase "Men and women whose early youth was shaped in the ordeal of the Great Depression" refers to those individuals who were young and coming of age during the years of the Depression. For many of them, their formative years were marked by the challenges and hardships of economic deprivation, uncertainty, and struggle. This period of their lives, which was characterized by scarcity, resourcefulness, and resilience, deeply influenced their values, attitudes, and outlook on the world.

The quote suggests that the values and character traits developed by this generation during the Great Depression were later evident when "tyranny threatened a world." This implies that the experiences of the Depression instilled in them a set of values and principles that guided their response to the threat of tyranny during World War II and other tumultuous events that followed. The implication is that the resilience, resourcefulness, and sense of community forged during the Great Depression were instrumental in their response to the global challenges of tyranny and conflict.

During the Great Depression, individuals and families had to adapt to extreme financial hardship and find ways to survive in the face of widespread unemployment and poverty. The experience of enduring such adversity and uncertainty left a lasting impression on the generation that came of age during this time. Many learned to make do with very little, to prioritize the essentials, and to find strength in community and family support. These values of frugality, self-reliance, and solidarity became ingrained in the collective consciousness of the generation that weathered the Depression.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the role of these values in confronting the threat of tyranny during World War II. The values of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that were honed during the Great Depression were instrumental in mobilizing a national response to the challenges of war. The generation that had experienced the hardships of the Depression displayed remarkable fortitude and determination in the face of global conflict, and their shared values played a crucial role in the eventual triumph over tyranny.

In summary, the quote by Steve Buyer reflects on the enduring impact of the Great Depression on the values and character of the generation that lived through it. It highlights the resilience, resourcefulness, and sense of community that were born out of the hardship and uncertainty of the Depression, and suggests that these values played a crucial role in shaping the response to the challenges of tyranny and global conflict. The experiences of the Great Depression left an indelible mark on the individuals who lived through it, shaping their values and influencing their response to the tumultuous events of the 20th century.