Oklahoma History Unit 8 Review: Oklahoma's Early 20th Century Development

Key Events and Timeline

• Oklahoma achieved statehood on November 16, 1907 became the 46th state in the United States
• The discovery of oil near Tulsa in 1901 (Red Fork) and near Bartlesville in 1897 (Nellie Johnstone No. 1) triggered an oil boom that transformed Oklahoma's economy
  • By 1920, Oklahoma was the nation's leading oil producer
• World War I (1914-1918) increased demand for Oklahoma's agricultural and industrial products
  • Many Oklahomans served in the military during the war
• The Tulsa Race Massacre occurred from May 31 to June 1, 1921 one of the worst incidents of racial violence in U.S. history
  • A white mob attacked the predominantly African American Greenwood District in Tulsa
  • Hundreds of people were killed, and the district was destroyed
• The Great Depression (1929-1939) severely impacted Oklahoma's economy and population
  • Drought conditions led to the Dust Bowl, causing many farmers to migrate to other states (California)

Political Developments

• The Democratic Party dominated Oklahoma politics in the early 20th century
  • William H. Murray, a Democrat, served as the state's governor from 1931 to 1935
• The Progressive Movement influenced Oklahoma politics, leading to reforms such as the initiative, referendum, and recall processes
• Women's suffrage gained support in Oklahoma, with the state ratifying the 19th Amendment in 1920
• Socialism and labor movements also had a presence in Oklahoma politics during this period
  • The Socialist Party of Oklahoma had some electoral success in the early 1900s
• The Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence in Oklahoma during the 1920s, influencing state and local politics

Economic Growth and Industries

• Agriculture remained a significant part of Oklahoma's economy, with cotton, wheat, and cattle being major products
  • Mechanization and improved farming techniques increased agricultural productivity
• The oil industry transformed Oklahoma's economy, attracting investment and creating jobs
  • Cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City experienced rapid growth due to the oil boom
  • The oil industry also led to the development of related industries, such as pipelines and refineries
• Coal mining was another important industry in Oklahoma, particularly in the eastern part of the state
• Manufacturing industries, such as meatpacking and flour milling, expanded during this period

Social and Cultural Changes

• Oklahoma's population grew rapidly in the early 20th century, driven by the oil boom and agricultural opportunities
  • The state's population increased from 1.7 million in 1907 to 2.4 million by 1930
• African Americans faced discrimination and racial violence, as exemplified by the Tulsa Race Massacre
  • Despite this, African American communities like the Greenwood District in Tulsa thrived before the massacre
• Native American tribes continued to adapt to life in Oklahoma after the dissolution of tribal governments
  • Many Native Americans participated in the state's economy and politics
• The Roaring Twenties brought cultural changes to Oklahoma, such as the rise of jazz music and dance halls
• Religion played a significant role in Oklahoma society, with many residents attending churches and religious revivals

Notable Figures and Leaders

• Robert L. Williams served as the first Governor of Oklahoma from 1907 to 1911
• Kate Barnard was the first woman elected to state office in Oklahoma, serving as Commissioner of Charities and Corrections from 1907 to 1915
  • She advocated for prison reform, child welfare, and Native American rights
• Alfalfa Bill Murray, a colorful and controversial figure, served as Oklahoma's governor during the Great Depression
• Woody Guthrie, born in Oklahoma in 1912, became a prominent folk singer and songwriter, known for his songs about the Dust Bowl and social justice
• Will Rogers, born in Oklahoma in 1879, was a famous humorist, actor, and social commentator

Challenges and Conflicts

• The Dust Bowl, caused by severe drought and poor farming practices, devastated Oklahoma's agriculture in the 1930s
  • Many farmers and their families were forced to migrate to other states in search of work
• Racial discrimination and violence, particularly against African Americans, were significant challenges in Oklahoma
  • The Tulsa Race Massacre was a tragic example of this racial violence
• Labor disputes and strikes occurred in various industries, such as coal mining and oil production
  • The International Workers of the World (IWW) and other labor organizations were active in Oklahoma
• The Great Depression had a severe impact on Oklahoma's economy, leading to high unemployment and poverty rates

Infrastructure and Modernization

• The development of the oil industry led to the construction of pipelines, refineries, and other infrastructure
  • This infrastructure helped to transport and process Oklahoma's oil resources
• Railroads expanded throughout Oklahoma, connecting cities and facilitating trade
  • The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad were major rail lines in the state
• Highways and roads were improved and expanded, making transportation easier and more efficient
  • The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1916 provided funding for road construction in Oklahoma
• Electrification and the introduction of modern appliances changed daily life for many Oklahomans
  • By the 1930s, most urban areas in Oklahoma had access to electricity

Legacy and Impact on Modern Oklahoma

• The oil industry continues to be a significant part of Oklahoma's economy and identity
  • Oklahoma is still one of the top oil-producing states in the nation
• The Dust Bowl and Great Depression left a lasting impact on Oklahoma's history and culture
  • These events are remembered through literature, music, and art (The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck)
• The legacy of racial discrimination and violence, including the Tulsa Race Massacre, continues to influence Oklahoma society and politics
  • Efforts to acknowledge and address this history are ongoing
• Oklahoma's agricultural heritage remains important, with farming and ranching still significant industries in the state
• The state's Native American tribes continue to play a vital role in Oklahoma's culture, politics, and economy
  • Many tribes have successful businesses and contribute to the state's tourism industry