The Negative Effects Of The Dust Bowl

The Dust Bowl was an extreme drought that occurred throughout the Great Plains in the 1930s. This drought brought dust storms along with high winds. Crops and plants stopped growing and water was limited. Along with this, most farms were abandoned. It was absolutely difficult for almost anyone people to live comfortably. Many individuals were impacted by the Dust Bowl physically, personally, and emotionally. The Dust Bowl had many negative effects on the way people lived.

To begin, the Dust Bowl physically impacted people because they were breathing in dust and mud. This was harming the health of anybody that lived in the Great Plains at the time. For example, in lines 61-65 of the passage Fields of Flashing Light, the text states, “Daddy came in, / he sat across from Ma and blew his nose. / Mud streamed out. / He coughed and spit out / mud.” This shows that going outside during a dust storm at this time would result in getting covered in mud and dust. This is not good for anyone’s overall health. This is just one of the numerous ways that the Dust Bowl hurt the communities in the Great Plains.

Many farms and homes were abandoned at this time, but for anyone that stayed, living was difficult. According to paragraph 8 of passage 1, Covered In Dust, the author explains, “For those who remained, life was a challenge. People battled constantly to keep the dust out of their homes. Windows were taped and wet sheets hung to catch the dust. At dinner tables, cups, glasses, and plates were kept overturned until the meal was served. Dentists and surgeons struggled to keep their instruments sterile” This explains that the way that people lived was disrupted by this dangerous drought. Countless amounts of families had to live in these conditions damaging their homes for years. Overall, the Dust Bowl undoubtedly affected a large number of people’s lives