The Dust Bowl Migration
Grade 4 California history lesson on the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s, from Pengi Social Studies Chapter 7. Students learn how drought and crop failure in the Midwest pushed thousands of families, called Okies, to move to California seeking work, where they faced discrimination and harsh conditions.
Key Concepts
While the economy crashed, a severe drought ruined farms in the middle of the country, creating the Dust Bowl . Thousands of families packed their jalopies (old cars) and moved west to California.
Locals called these newcomers " Okies " (even though they came from many states). Instead of a paradise, they found hardship. They became migrant farmworkers , moving from farm to farm and living in roadside camps. Their arrival created a surplus of workers, driving wages down for everyone.
Common Questions
What was the Dust Bowl and why did it cause migration to California?
The Dust Bowl was a severe drought in the 1930s that destroyed farms across the Great Plains. Thousands of families packed their belongings and drove west to California hoping to find farm work and a better life.
Who were the Okies and why were they called that?
Okies was a nickname given to Dust Bowl migrants who moved to California, even though they came from many states. The term was often used in a derogatory way by Californians who resented the competition for scarce jobs.
How were Dust Bowl migrants treated in California?
Dust Bowl migrants faced discrimination from California locals who feared competition for jobs. They lived in crowded, poor camps and were often turned away from towns, despite coming to California seeking honest work.
How did the Dust Bowl and Great Depression affect California?
The combination of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl migration created economic and social tensions in California as local workers competed with hundreds of thousands of desperate migrants for limited jobs.