1. Describe four causes of the Great Depression. Then explain how the Great Depression impacted Oklahoma.
2.Explain how the discovery of oil changed Oklahoma. Include the types of jobs that are found in the oil industry.
3.In a paragraph, identify and evaluate three different examples of the art, literature, and music of the 1930s in Oklahoma.
4. In a paragraph, describe the causes and effects of the Tulsa Race Riots of 1921.
5. In a paragraph, identify and analyze Oklahoma's contribution to the war efforts of World War 1.
1. Four causes of the Great Depression were the stock market crash of 1929, the banking crisis, overproduction and underconsumption, and the Dust Bowl. The Great Depression hit Oklahoma hard as the state's economy relied heavily on agriculture and oil, both of which were affected by the Depression. Farmers experienced an overproduction crisis as demand for crops decreased, leading to declining prices and low profits. Many banks in the state closed, causing fear and insecurity among people who had lost all their savings. The Dust Bowl worsened the situation as massive dust storms swept through the state, damaging crops and affecting the health of the people. The Great Depression led to high unemployment rates, poverty, and homelessness in Oklahoma.
2. The discovery of oil completely transformed Oklahoma's economy. It made the state one of the wealthiest regions in the country, and various types of jobs were created, including drilling, refining, and pumping. The oil industry provided many employment opportunities beyond the oil fields, such as transportation and marketing. The discovery of oil also led to the construction of pipelines and refineries, which brought in infrastructure development and created more jobs. Today, Oklahoma remains an important oil-producing state and is home to several major oil companies.
3. One example of literature from the 1930s in Oklahoma is "The Grapes of Wrath," a novel written by John Steinbeck, which tells the story of the Joad family during the Dust Bowl era. The book is a classic in American literature and highlights the struggles of poverty and migration during the Great Depression. Another example is Woody Guthrie's folk music, which captured the spirit of the time. Guthrie's music often revolved around social and political issues. The third example is the WPA's Federal Art Project, which provided support to artists during the Depression. The program employed artists to create public works of art, including murals, sculptures, and paintings that can still be found in public buildings today.
4. The Tulsa Race Riots of 1921 were caused by a confrontation between Black and white residents of the city. A Black man was accused of assaulting a white woman, and rumors of the incident spread quickly, leading to a mob of white residents attacking Black residents. Homes and businesses were burned, and many people were killed or injured. The effects of the riots were devastating for the Black community. Thousands of people were left homeless, and many were forced to flee the city. The riots exposed the deep racial tensions that existed in the city and the wider country at that time.
5. Oklahoma made significant contributions to the war efforts of World War I. The state was home to several military training camps, including Camp Bowie and Camp Doniphan, where soldiers were trained for combat. Oklahoma also provided food, oil, and gas resources to support the war effort. A significant number of Oklahomans enlisted in the military, with over 67,000 serving in the war. The state also supported the war through Liberty Bond and Victory Garden programs, which encouraged citizens to contribute financially and to grow food to support the troops. Additionally, women in Oklahoma contributed significantly to the war effort by joining the workforce and volunteering in various capacities.