The Beat Generation writers were shaped by historical events such as World War II, the Cold War, and the social upheavals of the 1950s in America. Their disillusionment with mainstream American values often stemmed from their experiences during the war and the oppressive nature of McCarthyism. Influenced by jazz, Eastern philosophy, and a quest for authentic experiences, they challenged conventional norms through their literature. This context fostered their themes of individualism, spiritual exploration, and an enduring critique of consumerism.