TB3+Okie+Migration+to+California 

Ben and Leia's Page

The Okie Migration to California In the 1930’s, the Dust Bowl struck the Midwestern United States. I won’t get into it, but a long drought caused dust to build up over soil, which was then blown around the Midwest in huge storms that covered everything with dust. The land became completely infertile, and living conditions became intolerable. The people who were affected by the Dust Bowl were called ‘Okies’, because they came mostly from Oklahoma, and Oklahoma’s surrounding states ( []). When the Dust Bowl hit the Okies, they all found themselves in need of food and jobs, and there were none to be found in Oklahoma. Rumors had spread to the area that the state of California was expecting a labor shortage. California was also known to have a generous welfare system for those living in poverty. For these reasons, the Okies decided to move migrate to California. Since most Okies had lost their vehicles to the dust, many had to get to California by hopping trains, hitchhiking, or walking. They also used Route 66 as a main way to travel. This U.S. Highway was called the "Mother Road". In California, the travelers were greatly disappointed with a lack of jobs and low wages. Farm Labor camps were established, where men and even children would work for every penny. Some farmers paid low wages and, then charged rent for the poor housing of the Okies. Okies ended up taking the jobs of many Mexicans which left them in a bad situation. Both groups were unwelcome to California. Out of desperation, Okies quickly set up many "squatter camps" in which to live in. These consisted of ragged housing with low living standards. If the Okies had settled near a city then they were forced to pay the high prices for simple items like groceries. After the 1930's, life began to brighten up as the Federal Government gave them more money in the form of welfare. The migrators then were able to get better jobs in bigger cities like Los Angeles ([]).

//“The land just blew away; we had to go somewhere.”//— Kansas preacher, June, 1936





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