The demographic context of the baby boom in the United States (1946-1964) as well as past and future impacts of this population increase are considered in this review of research. During the 18-year period, over 76,000,000 babies were born, more than the entire population of the United States in 1900. Reasons for the increase are attributed to economic affluence, patriotism, and the "procreation ethic." Early impacts were in medicine and education, particularly in the construction of new facilities. As the cohorts aged, they influenced the relaxation of college entrance requirements, grade inflation, demands for more fulfilling work, and a restructuring of economic thought concerning supply and demand. The increase in rural population growth, which represents a change in values, is also attributable to the baby boom generation. Researchers predict that during the period 1983-2050 a "superclass" of well-educated couples will be created who will affect dress, entertainment, eating habits, travel, buying patterns, and values. Politically, third party movements will be based on the unaffiliated millions of baby boomers. Although this generation will be the most educated, many professions will become obsolete. The growth industry of the future will be health care. (KC)