Final answer:
The Dust Bowl, one of the most severe droughts in history, lasted from 1931 to 1939, affecting American agriculture during the Great Depression. While it is not clear if the Great Drought in Australia or the Dust Bowl was being referred to, both are historically significant events that had profound societal impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The periods of drought mentioned in the question refer to historically significant climatic events that caused widespread hardship and societal impacts. The Great Drought in Australia that is often referred to historically lasted from 2003 to 2012, although it's not clear if this is the event the question refers to. However, the Dust Bowl, which was one of the most devastating droughts and environmental crises in modern history, lasted for eight years. Beginning in 1931 and lasting until 1939, this period of severe dust storms and drought greatly affected American agriculture during the Great Depression, particularly impacting the Great Plains and Midwest.
The mention of the Dust Bowl within the context of the Great Drought in Australia may suggest confusion between various historical droughts. It is also important to note that climatic events and human actions, such as deforestation and over-farming, have historically exacerbated the frequency and severity of droughts, leading to significant social and environmental consequences.