The Beat Generation was a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the United States during the 1950s. It was characterized by a rejection of conventional values, experimentation with drugs, and a focus on spiritual exploration. Key figures included writers like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs, who sought to challenge societal norms through their works. The movement was influential in shaping modern counterculture and laid the groundwork for the 1960s hippie movement. The Beats often celebrated spontaneity, creativity, and a sense of community, promoting ideas of freedom and self-expression that resonated with many young people of the time.