The Great Plains region, which included Oklahoma, experienced severe economic hardship and drought in the 1930s, a period known as the Great Depression. This caused widespread poverty and unemployment, forcing many Oklahomans to seek better economic opportunities elsewhere.
2. Dust Bowl:
A combination of drought and poor farming practices led to a severe dust storm that affected the Great Plains region during the 1930s. This phenomenon, known as the Dust Bowl, caused massive soil erosion and crop failures, adding to the economic misery of the region. Many Oklahoma farmers lost their livelihoods and were forced to migrate to other areas in search of work.
3. New Deal policies:
The New Deal, a set of economic policies introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression, had mixed effects in Oklahoma. Some of these policies, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act, actually benefited large landowners, while small farmers and tenant farmers struggled. This disparity further contributed to the economic difficulties and displacement of Oklahomans.
4. Availability of work in California and other states:
News about job opportunities in California, especially in the agricultural sector and the growing aircraft industry, spread among the Okies. The high demand for labor in these areas attracted many migrants, offering hope for better economic prospects. California's moderate climate and plentiful land were also seen as potential advantages compared to the harsh conditions of the Dust Bowl.