Dust Bowl: Causes and Effects

Mr. Hill, a Texas history teacher, discusses the Dust Bowl, a series of dust storms during the 1930s that severely affected the southern Great Plains, including Texas. The lesson covers the political, economic, and social effects of the Dust Bowl, its causes, and its impact on the environment and society. Key terms like drought and erosion are defined, and the human and physical factors contributing to the disaster are explained. The lesson concludes with a summary and a preview of the next topic, the New Deal.

What was the primary focus of the lesson on the Dust Bowl?

• The causes of the Dust Bowl

• The visual representation of dust storms

• The political, economic, and social effects on Texas

• The geographical spread of the Dust Bowl

Which states were most affected by the Dust Bowl?

• California, Nevada, Arizona

• Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado

• Florida, Georgia, Alabama

• New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio

What is erosion as discussed in the context of the Dust Bowl?

• A method of planting crops

• A technique for conserving water

• A process by which the earth's surface is worn away

• A process of soil enrichment

What were some physical causes of the Dust Bowl?

• Severe drought, high winds, and soil erosion

• Tornadoes and hurricanes

• Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• Heavy rainfall and flooding

How did human activities contribute to the Dust Bowl?

• By increasing urban development

• By over-farming and not using crop rotation

• By planting more trees

• By building more dams

What was the economic impact of the Dust Bowl on farmers?

• Higher land values

• Increased crop yields

• Loss of crops, animals, and land to foreclosures

• More government subsidies

What health condition was caused by the Dust Bowl?

• Bronchitis

• Asthma

• Tuberculosis

• Dust pneumonia

What was the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Dust Bowl?

• To relocate affected families

• To teach farmers new soil conservation methods

• To provide military training

• To build new roads

What percentage of farmers left the Texas Panhandle due to the Dust Bowl?

• One-half

• Two-thirds

• One-third

• One-fourth

What was the government's response to help farmers during the Dust Bowl?

• Providing free seeds

• Building new irrigation systems

• Offering tax breaks

• Creating agencies to teach soil conservation