* Great Depression: The Great Depression, which began in 1929, severely affected the cotton industry. The demand for cotton plummeted as consumers had less money to spend on clothing and other cotton products. This led to a significant decline in cotton prices, making it difficult for farmers to make a profit.
* Droughts: The 1930s was also marked by severe droughts, especially in the Southern United States, where most cotton was grown. These droughts caused significant damage to cotton crops, reducing yields and further worsening the economic situation of farmers.
* Boll Weevil Infestation: The boll weevil, a destructive pest that feeds on cotton bolls, was another major challenge for cotton growers in the 1930s. The boll weevil infestation spread rapidly, causing significant losses to cotton crops. Farmers had to invest in expensive pesticides and implement new farming practices to combat the boll weevil, adding to their financial burdens.
The combination of these factors made cotton farming extremely difficult and resulted in widespread poverty and hardship among cotton farmers and their communities. Government intervention and assistance programs, including the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, were necessary to support farmers and stabilize the cotton industry during this challenging period.