The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe (pg. 256)

  • A Crisis era begins with a catalyst–a startling event (or sequence of events) that produces a sudden shift in mood.
  • Once catalyzed, a society achieves a regeneracy–a new counterentropy that reunifies and reenergizes civic life.
  • The regenerated society propels toward a climax–a crucial moment that confirms the death of the old order and birth of the new.
  • The climax culminates in a resolution–a triumphant or tragic conclusion that separates the winners from losers, resolves the big public questions, and establishes the new order.