The Great Depression and Dust Bowl Migrants - Essay Example

The Great Depression and Dust Bowl Migrants The 1930 was a period when the Great Depression, the worst drought, and dust storms faced United s. After the effects of World War I, the Great Plains acted as a food basket to meet increasing demand for wheat. American farmers complemented this by planting wheat in a large area. However, the drought that occurred in 1930 affected the Plains top soil significantly. The occurring high wind took away the dry, overworked soil, which was reduced to a fine powder. Consequently, dangerous white storms became prominent and changed farmland into desert. Thousands of people became homeless and desperate. This compounded the problems of the Great Depression further. Many farmers had no alternative and became jobless. The number of people with no jobs increased significantly, and some were forced to migrate in search for employment opportunities. However, the migrants were a miserable victim of history. This is because an influx of migrants led to extreme deficiency of jobs, food, and resources while living conditions became worse. They were mistreated in new areas they went to look for jobs. Moreover, they were underpaid, and lived in poor working conditions which made them more desperate. This indirectly contributed to the Great Depression. This necessitated President Roosevelt to have an ambitious plan of the New Deal. This new deal was a rescue as it brought social and economic changes (The New York Times I). The reason as to why I choose this topic is because it shares most of the problem that emigrants experience in a foreign country. This is also one of the worst things to happen in America in 21st century. Furthermore, the migrants are a good example of problem people were going through during this period. This paper seeks to discuss The Great Depression and Dust Bowl Migrants. The Depression of 20th century was the worst economic depressions to happen in United States. This was caused by myriad factors that together led to the worsening of the situation in America. The effects of drought were not a direct cause of the great depression, but it effects further compounded the challenges of the great depression. The drought condition was collectively known as the dust bowl. This had a significant role in the great depression. This resulted from excess planting and poor management of land in the period from 1930 to 1936. Severe drought ravaged parts of American plains soil were reduced to dusts, and large clouds of dust could be seen in this region such as Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico (Wiegand 85). Having clearly analyzed the Dust Bowl I have come to realize that the 1930 was a period that these people might have faced the worst of the challenges. The most challenge that they went through was lack of field that could be able to produce their needs. This is because their land became completely unproductive. Topmost rich soil was carried away by the wind. These gave them no means of feeding their families and hence were under constant poverty. The number of people replaced from their lands was so many and this I think was the major cause of unemployment in this period. Historical facts exist that millions of people lacked a source of employment (Tindall and Shi 62-71). There is reason for me to believe these facts, as no soil can produce with nutrient unavailable to support crop life. These people must have been completely devastated because they were used to large-scale production of agricultural goods. Historian describes 1860’s as a period for the settlement in these areas for large-scale agriculture (Mullins). Although the problems of land becoming unproductive are largely focused on migrants, there can be other sources for environmental degradation such as natural factors. The family situation of the migrant must have been worse than described in various historical aspects. The weather situation was actually not good for children especially the minor. This may have been worse as described in Oklahoma State. For example in Oklahoma, temperature went high above and below the extremes. The livestock situation might have been worse than it is described. This is because desperate people had little time to take care of their ailing animals. The situation of the bank was also wanting. They had failed to sympathize with farmers. I believe this was another major contributor to the rise of the migrants. This is because most of the people were forced out as their farms, and ranches were repossessed by the bank (Steinbeck 5-15). The rate at which stories were exaggerated about situation in California was another contributor to rise of migrants. I believe people going through desperation had to believe anything. The lack of skilled labor was not justifiable to pay migrants poorly by corporate. In the south, they had done successful farming, and the only problem was lack of viable weather conditions. The process of migrant living in camps was shameful. This should not have been there long after America had attained its independence. Roadside camps that had no floors were built to take care of the increasing number of poor population lowered the status of the migrants (WGBH Educational Foundation). Those groups harassing these migrants had no moral authority. This was not good, as migrants had gone through a lot before they decided to migrate to this area; they had no other choice. The natives should have given them a warm reception. The government intervention was overdue. However, I believe the government intervention saved migrants from mistreatment and bad situation they were going through. I believe the migrants had tremendous potential. Various impressions have been given to most Dust Bowl Migrants. In various quotas thy have been depicted as ignorant and desperate people willing to work for any amount of money. There is nothing important to them apart from ensuring that their families have enough food. On the other hand, due to their undying urge for money, employers get a chance to exploit them, as they have no other opportunities. They are also depicted as people willing to change their lives and that of their families no matter the dedication that is required. In California, they did not receive good reception (The New York Times I). This is because the native saw them as people who could take their chances in the job market. This led to some form of resistance from the natives. Moreover, the migrant for a long time were viewed as dirty people. This is because they were living in poor conditions that forced them fail to care for things that were not bringing food on their table. In California, the migrants went through various insults and were branded names that were demeaning (The New York Times II). Moreover, what the workers went through is reflected in Steinbeck novel “Grapes of Wrath.” Throughout the novel, one is able to identify what the emigrants went through, and in the original homeland. Through his work, historical context of the workers is analyzed. He narrates, “Little by little the sky was darkened by the mixing dust…the dawn came but no day” (Steinbeck 4-5). This was the situation in the Great Plains, and forced farmers to leave this region. Steinbeck’s accepts this was a natural condition in the Great Plains. However, he also highlights the stubbornness and determination of the American farmers. This was seen when Grampa refuses to leave, “He says that he would not leave his country” (Steinbeck 152). The Grampa resistance to leave also shows us the importance of the land in the 1930’s. As the book continues, he talks of tractors, technologies, and Americans changing relationship with the land. He depicts tractors as “snub-nosed monster” (Steinbeck 47). He criticizes the use of machine on lands to the detriment of land. He also does not support the use of machine as they lead to displacement of labor. The grape was meant to create support and sympathy for the poor and blown out population. This meant that the government and relevant authority were made aware of what people were going through and this prompted them to act. The mistreatment of California people was also exposed. Photographers, musician, and some authors recorded the problem facing the migrant workers. Various government agencies hired them especially during the time of the great depression. Artists also helped the Farm Security Administration to get a clue of what was happening on the situation on the ground. This helped shape the career of a number of artists. The most memorable of all is the picture of the migrant mother and her children. This was known as the famous Dorothea Lange “Migrant Mother.” This provided a noble opportunity to consideration of photography, creativity, and use of images. The poems, songs lyrics were also famous during this time and provided clear evidence of irony and pathos of the time. This offers opportunity for comparing and contrasting this historic moment of historical emigration. The song lyric gives us a chance for memorializing the migrant experience (Mullins). The migrant had a tremendous influence in California culture. Not only did they go through various economic trials, but also they influenced Californian culture and society. For a long time, the “orkie subculture” continues to grow into one of key components in Californians cultural landscape (Gregory). They also brought their beliefs in California, and a love for country music. Consequently, the orkies had an opportunity to expand their cultural presence in the new land (The New York Times I). There are arguments, whether the New Deal is evolution or revolution. However, I believe it was a revolution. This is because it brought about so many changes in America. These changes were seen in agriculture, unions, banking sector, and housing. Roosevelt leadership was bold, transformative. His sheer determination in his legislative and administrative measures created a new link of relationship, which is still part of the America society today. This new link is where government today continues to address issues facing American people. Despite its limitations, the New Deal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a reform movement achieved a lot that changed America during that period and later in the century. These acts that changed the suffering of Dust Bowl Migrant include Agricultural Adjustment Act, Work Progressive Administration, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Resettlement Administration, and Farm Security Administration. Historians, such as Keynes described this as a revolution especially in the relief effort (The New York Times I). Moreover, the state responsibility for health, welfare and employment, and rapid development of the federal institution, expansion of presidential authority, and civil rights groups still dominate America today (Rozwenc 37-45). The deal ensured there was economic, political, and social revival in a society that had so many ills before, such as capitalism and huge degree of concentrated economic power. The agricultural act implemented on this deal in 1933, 1936, and 1938 were transformative in nature (The New York Times I). Consequently, price of agricultural commodities went high and land value improved significantly. This was important as many farmers returned to farming and effects of the great depression were reduced. All these acts laid a foundation of what is today America approach to agricultural issues. Additionally, the New Deal changed the southern side in various ways. Hope was instilled from the wasted, tired, and discouraged region especially the Oklahoma side. Work progress administration was also important as the unemployed had relief this is still in place today. The artistic and cultural employment programs are a good example of how relief provided employment. Finally, confidence in social security was restored, and this continues today. The new deal has received much focus from historians. Some argues that it was meant for political mileage while others believe that it brought some changes. Keynes argues that the new deal changed the role of American government and America economy structure. Zelizer argues that the New Deal was conservative, and it maintained economic and political system throughout the Great Depression. Others believe the objectives of the New Deal were not accomplished fully (Rozwenc 1-15). I believe the New Deal helped America people by greatly by addressing basic needs and giving them work and hope. This is because there was increased wage, and price for goods. There were also good houses that were decent. In conclusion, the Dust Bowl is a good example of how economy may be affected due to changes in the environment. Agriculture failures led to poor production and hence economy was affected. The effects were more significant as they worsened the already existing problems of the great depression that took place in America. The American Dust bowl shows that the government needs to be more proactive when it comes to stopping any problem that may affect agricultural production. Furthermore, this period saw the rise of various artists who were sympathetic to what the emigrants were going through. Various novels were also written on what emigrants went through, though various sentiments were directed to the author from various quotas. However, the effects of Dust Bowl will forever remain to be remembered due to various complications it brought to a large population during this period of the Great Depression. This shaped the American history in 20th century. Works Cited Gregory, James. “The Dust Bowl Migration and Okie Culture in California.” Washington.edu. Web. 29 March 2012. Mullins, William. “Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.” Okstate.edu. Web, 29 March 2012. < http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/O/OK008.html > Rozwenc, Edwin Charles. “The New Deal: Revolution or Evolution?” New York: Heath 1959. Print Steinbeck, John. “The Grapes of Wrath.” New York: Viking Press, 1939. Print The New York Times I. “Oklahomans Try to Save Their California Culture.” Weedpatchcamp. Web, 29 March 2012. < http://www.weedpatchcamp.com/Newspaper%20Articles/NY_times.htm > The New York Times II. “The Grapes of Wrath.” NY Times. Web. 29 March 2012. < http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/20514/The-Grapes-of-Wrath/overview > Tindall, George Brown, and David Shi. “America, a Narrative History.” New York: W.W. Norton, 2007. Print. WGBH Educational Foundation. “The American Experience: Mass Exodus from the Plains.” Pbs. Web, 29 March 2012. < http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/dustbowl-mass-exodus-plains/ > Wiegand, Steve. “Lessons from the Great Depression for Dummies.” New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print. Read More