I went with the 80's but not entirely based on the cartoons that were present. I said the 80s because it was the best decade for "Saturday morning cartoons". The Saturday 8-12 block started much earlier but it was the 80's where it basically became a staple. several channels chock full of kids entertainment for 4 hours. New cartoons being created all the time. The twilight of the Hanna Barbara look. Don Bluth animation. Anime starting to make its way into American culture. A lot of things happened.
Some notable ommisions from that decade:
Muppet Babies, Gummi Bears, Heathcliff, Galaxy Rangers, Carebears, Rainbow Bright, Robotech, Dragon's Lair, Star Blazers (technically 79) and a bunch I am sure I forgot.
Also a couple notable non cartoon kids shows that started in this era:
Saved by the Bell, Pee-Wees Playhouse
Of course, great older shows like Fat Albert, Superfriends, Bugs Bunny/Road Runner, and various iterations of Scooby Doo all played through this era as well.
Edit: Yes I am a child of the 80's so I am biased.
Some notable ommisions from that decade:
Muppet Babies, Gummi Bears, Heathcliff, Galaxy Rangers, Carebears, Rainbow Bright, Robotech, Dragon's Lair, Star Blazers (technically 79) and a bunch I am sure I forgot.
Also a couple notable non cartoon kids shows that started in this era:
Saved by the Bell, Pee-Wees Playhouse
Of course, great older shows like Fat Albert, Superfriends, Bugs Bunny/Road Runner, and various iterations of Scooby Doo all played through this era as well.
Edit: Yes I am a child of the 80's so I am biased.
