There just wasn’t the concept of helicopter moms and dads back then. That changed along with everything else. Always will and always does.
Discussion
Eh, we had them, but they weren't as prevalent.
The helicopter parent phenomenon can be damaging to a child’s independence however not as damaging as the child exploitation and abuse coverups that have been exposed during the era of helicopter parents.
Institutions that parents were meant to trust (Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America, USA swimming, USA Gymnastics) proved themselves unworthy of that trust and parents have reacted to the extreme. However, I would argue that parents limiting the sovereignty of their children is their responsibility (and not the government’s).
I am a full on helicopter parent of 3. Home schooled, watched over, loved, and allowed them to make as many mistakes as possible.