History: The Dustbowl in America

The period of American history known as the Dustbowl took place during the 1930s. Exhaustive farming techniques with little or no crop rotation took its toll on the condition of soil in the American and Canadian prairie lands, in particular destroying the vast grasslands. When a period of severe drought occurred, the dry and exposed soil turned to dust and eroded easily, leading to a barren environment where the primarily farming communities of the time couldn’t grow any produce. The eroded soil dust turned the winds into great dust storms, and the farming communities had to migrate in huge numbers away from their homes and farms to find work and shelter so they could continue to support themselves.

A better understanding of responsible farming techniques, and the impact that not using such practices might have on our environment, can help prevent the future that is found when R00T5 travels to the future.

Download the Dustbowl in America Activity

Posted on November 12th, 2008 by Sunil Patel

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