The 1930s Dust Bowl

The 1930s Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster in the central United States caused by a combination of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds. After a period of intensive farming, the land lost its natural grasses that held the soil in place. When drought struck, the loose, dry soil turned into massive dust storms that could blot out the sun and destroyed crops, forcing many families to abandon their farms. This ecological crisis worsened during the Great Depression, displacing thousands and highlighting the importance of sustainable land management.