What contributed to the severity of the Great Depression in California?

Study for the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Exam. Prepare with diverse question formats and detailed explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The severity of the Great Depression in California was significantly impacted by the influx of "Okies." This term refers to the thousands of people, primarily from Oklahoma and other Dust Bowl states, who migrated to California in search of better living conditions and job opportunities during the economic downturn. The Dust Bowl, characterized by severe drought and poor agricultural practices, devastated farms in the Great Plains, leading many families to leave their homes. Upon arriving in California, however, these migrants often faced fierce competition for limited jobs, inadequate housing, and a challenging economic environment. The sheer volume of people flooding into California overwhelmed local resources and contributed to increased unemployment and social unrest, thereby magnifying the effects of the Great Depression in the state. This scenario underscores the complex interplay of environmental factors and human migration during this pivotal period in American history.

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