Final answer:
Farm life during the Great Depression was marked by economic hardships, decreased agricultural output, rural migration, government intervention, and community resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Farm Life during the Great Depression
Farm life during the Great Depression was incredibly challenging for many families. Here are five key aspects:
- Economic hardships: Farmers faced severe financial difficulties due to falling crop prices and reduced demand. This led to widespread poverty and the inability to afford basic necessities.
- Decreased agricultural output: The Dust Bowl, a period of intense drought and soil erosion, severely impacted farm productivity in the Midwest. Crop failures resulted in food shortages and further exacerbated the economic crisis.
- Rural migration: Many farmers were forced to leave their lands in search of work in urban areas. This mass migration resulted in overcrowded cities and heightened competition for jobs.
- Government intervention: To address the agricultural crisis, the government implemented programs such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) and the Resettlement Administration. These programs aimed to stabilize prices, provide relief, and promote sustainable farming practices.
- Community resilience: Despite the hardships, farm communities often supported each other through mutual aid societies and cooperative ventures, such as farm cooperatives and farmer's markets. These efforts fostered resilience and solidarity.
Learn more about life on farms during the Great Depression