The introduction of mechanized farm machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and combines significantly impacted the farming industry during the 1920s. Farm automation reduced labor requirements, and tractors replaced many farm animals. As machinery became more readily available and utilized, it resulted in increased productivity and fewer workers were required on the farm.
Improved Transportation:
Technological advancements in transportation systems, such as automobiles and improved railway networks, made it easier for farmers and their families to move to urban areas.
Declining Farm Prices:
After World War I, agricultural prices fell drastically due to decreased European demand, a shift towards domestic production in foreign countries, and increased competition. This economic downturn made farming less profitable, leading many farmers to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Drought Conditions:
During the 1920s, certain regions, especially in the Great Plains, faced severe droughts. The Dust Bowl conditions were particularly devastating, causing crop failures and soil erosion. These events forced numerous farmers to abandon their land, prompting their relocation to urban centers.
Search for Better Opportunities:
Many farmers and rural residents were attracted by the allure of urban life. Cities offered various employment possibilities in factories, service industries, and other non-agricultural fields, promising higher incomes compared to farming. This perception of better opportunities motivated many farm families to make the urban migration.