The Dust Bowl migration refers to the mass movement of people from the Southern Plains region of the United States to other parts of the country during the 1930s. This migration was driven by severe drought and dust storms, which destroyed farmland and made it nearly impossible for farmers to make a living.
Related terms
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a period of severe economic downturn in the United States that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s. It caused widespread unemployment and poverty, exacerbating the challenges faced by those affected by the Dust Bowl.
Soil erosion: Soil erosion is when topsoil becomes loose or displaced due to factors like wind or water. In the case of the Dust Bowl, excessive farming practices combined with drought caused severe soil erosion, leading to barren land and dust storms.
Okies: "Okies" is a term referring specifically to people from Oklahoma who migrated westward during the Dust Bowl era seeking better opportunities. They faced discrimination and hardship as they settled in new places such as California.