Agricultural Decline Ghost Towns Quiz
Dust Bowl and farm abandonment (10 questions).
Agricultural Decline Ghost Towns Quiz: Quick Study Notes
This section provides essential information about the historical forces behind agricultural decline and the emergence of ghost towns, particularly focusing on the devastating Dust Bowl era in the Great Plains. Understanding these factors is key to grasping the profound impact on rural communities and the landscape of America.
Key Concepts
Key Takeaways
- The Dust Bowl was a period of severe dust storms and drought in the 1930s that primarily affected the Great Plains.
- Unsustainable farming practices, like extensive dryland farming and deep plowing, greatly intensified the environmental disaster.
- Millions of acres of farmland became unproductive, forcing countless farmers to abandon their properties and livelihoods.
- Mass migration, especially “Okies” and “Arkies” moving to California, occurred as families sought new economic opportunities.
- Many small towns, once thriving agricultural centers, transformed into ghost towns due to depopulation and economic collapse.
- The Great Depression compounded the agricultural crisis, making recovery even harder for affected communities.
- Government interventions, such as the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), were crucial for implementing sustainable land management practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Dust Bowl?
The Dust Bowl was caused by a combination of severe drought, decades of extensive farming without proper soil conservation techniques (leading to topsoil erosion), and high winds in the Great Plains during the 1930s.
How did the Dust Bowl lead to ghost towns?
As farms failed and land became infertile, people abandoned their homes and businesses. Entire communities, dependent on agricultural prosperity, became deserted as residents migrated elsewhere in search of work and habitable conditions, thus becoming ghost towns.
What were some of the consequences for farmers during this period?
Farmers faced widespread crop failure, loss of livestock, heavy debt, and foreclosure. Many became migrant workers, often moving west to states like California, facing difficult living and working conditions and social discrimination.
What is a “ghost town” in the context of agricultural decline?
A ghost town, in this context, is a town that was once a thriving agricultural community but became deserted and desolate due to the collapse of its economic base—farming—often triggered by environmental disasters, prolonged drought, or economic depressions.
What measures were taken to prevent future Dust Bowls?
The U.S. government implemented significant conservation efforts, including the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS). Practices like contour plowing, crop rotation, terracing, and planting shelterbelts were promoted to prevent soil erosion and conserve moisture.
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