The Government's Response to the Dust Bowl Crisis

The Dust Bowl Crisis

The Dust Bowl was a period of severe dust storms that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American and Canadian prairies during the 1930s. This environmental disaster resulted in a prolonged drought, failed crops, and widespread soil erosion.

Government's Actions

In response to the Dust Bowl crisis, the government took several steps to help the people survive:

1. Shelter Belts

Shelter belts, also known as windbreaks, were created by planting rows of trees and shrubs to act as barriers against the winds that were causing soil erosion. These shelter belts helped protect farmlands and reduce the impact of the dust storms.

2. Resettlement Administration

The Resettlement Administration was established in 1935 to provide aid to farmers affected by the Dust Bowl. It helped resettle families to more productive agricultural areas and provided loans for land purchase and agricultural equipment.

3. Farm Security Administration

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was created in 1937 to assist tenant farmers and sharecroppers impacted by the Dust Bowl. It provided emergency relief, loans, and technical assistance to help farmers recover from the agricultural crisis.

Conclusion

The government's efforts to address the Dust Bowl crisis were crucial in helping the people survive the environmental and economic challenges they faced. Through initiatives like shelter belts, the Resettlement Administration, and the Farm Security Administration, assistance was provided to those affected by the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl.

What did the government do for the people to survive the dust bowl?

They created shelter belts, implemented the Resettlement Administration, and implemented the Farm Security Administration.