The Dust Bowl

The Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster in the 1930s, primarily affecting the Great Plains of the United States. It was caused by a combination of drought, poor farming practices, and high winds, which led to massive dust storms. Over-farming stripped the land of its natural grasses that held the soil in place, resulting in massive clouds of dust that engulfed homes and farmlands. This ecological crisis forced thousands of families to abandon their farms and migrate, especially to California, seeking better living conditions. It significantly impacted agriculture and contributed to the economic struggles of the Great Depression.