key term - Okies

Definition

Okies were a term used to describe impoverished farmers, primarily from Oklahoma, who migrated to California and other states during the Great Depression in search of better living conditions and work opportunities. This mass migration was driven by the environmental devastation of the Dust Bowl and the economic hardships that followed the 1929 stock market crash, making them emblematic of the struggles faced by many Americans during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Okie' was initially used in a derogatory sense but later became a badge of resilience for those who persevered through hardship.
2. Many Okies traveled west along Route 66, with thousands of families relocating to California, particularly to agricultural areas like the San Joaquin Valley.
3. The influx of Okies contributed to social tensions in California, leading to resentment from local residents who were already struggling economically.
4. Conditions for Okies in California were often harsh, as they faced discrimination, substandard living conditions, and fierce competition for jobs.
5. The plight of Okies was famously depicted in literature, most notably in John Steinbeck's novel 'The Grapes of Wrath,' which highlighted their struggles and resilience.

Review Questions

• How did the environmental and economic factors during the Great Depression contribute to the migration of Okies?
  • The migration of Okies was significantly driven by the environmental disaster known as the Dust Bowl, which caused severe droughts and ruined farmland in Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Coupled with the economic fallout from the Great Depression, where many lost their farms and livelihoods due to bank failures and plummeting crop prices, these factors forced families to seek new opportunities elsewhere. The combination of these devastating conditions propelled thousands of families westward to California, hoping for better lives.
• Evaluate the social impact that the arrival of Okies had on California communities during the Great Depression.
  • The arrival of Okies in California had a profound social impact on local communities, as their influx intensified existing economic hardships. Many Californians felt threatened by newcomers competing for limited jobs, leading to resentment and hostility. This situation created a complex dynamic where established residents struggled with their own economic challenges while grappling with perceptions of Okies as outsiders. This tension was further complicated by cultural differences and varying experiences of hardship.
• Assess how literature from this era, like 'The Grapes of Wrath,' shaped public perception of Okies and their struggles during the Great Depression.
  • 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck played a critical role in shaping public perception of Okies by humanizing their plight and showcasing their resilience against adversity. Through its vivid storytelling and character development, the novel highlighted the injustices faced by migrant families as they navigated poverty, discrimination, and exploitation in search of a better life. This literary portrayal helped to raise awareness about their struggles and foster empathy among readers, contributing to a broader understanding of the socioeconomic challenges during the Great Depression.

Related terms

Dust Bowl:

A severe drought and poor agricultural practices that led to major soil erosion in the 1930s, significantly impacting farming in the Great Plains and causing widespread displacement.

Great Migration:

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West during the early to mid-20th century, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping segregation.

New Deal:

A series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social welfare.