The Dust Bowl and the Depression in American History

The people of Dodge City, Kansas, were doing what they did every Sunday, going to church, visiting friends, or sending their children outside to play. During the afternoon, however, the ordinary day quickly changed. A huge black cloud could be seen rolling across the plains, approaching the city. As people rushed to find shelter, a familiar cry could be heard: "Dust storm." Author Debra McArthur examines the conditions that led to the severe drought and terrible dust storms that destroyed crops and farmland. McArthur shows that even though some farmers left their farms forever, others were able to survive with help from the federal and state governments.