Review the Galveston Hurricane.
Review how the future problem was solved by a 16 foot increase in the slant of the city. It was rebuilt but never regained it position as the "Wall Street" of Texas.
Understand the Progressive Movement of the early 1900s. Review how the worked to eliminate political corruption.
Understand the purpose of the Farm Security Administration and the construction of migrant work camps.
Review the dust bowl and the impact on the economy or Texas' rural and urban communities.
The Galveston Hurricane, also known as the Great Storm of 1900, was a devastating natural disaster that struck the city of Galveston, Texas. It is considered the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, claiming an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 lives.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, the city of Galveston faced major challenges in rebuilding and protecting itself from future storms. One solution was the implementation of a 16-foot increase in the slant of the city, known as the Galveston seawall. This construction project aimed to provide protection against storm surge and minimize the potential damage from future hurricanes.
While the city was successfully rebuilt, Galveston never regained its previous prominence as the "Wall Street" of Texas. The hurricane had a significant impact on the city's economy and infrastructure, leading to a decline in its status as a major financial center and trading hub.
The Progressive Movement of the early 1900s was a period of social and political reform aimed at addressing problems such as political corruption, social inequality, and economic abuses. In Texas, as in other parts of the country, political corruption was a major concern, with powerful political machines controlling many aspects of government.
Progressives worked to eliminate political corruption through various means, such as advocating for the implementation of civil service systems to remove political influence from government appointments and advocating for campaign finance reforms to limit the influence of money in politics. They also supported efforts to increase transparency and accountability in government operations.
The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was a government agency established during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Its purpose was to address the needs of rural Americans, particularly farmers affected by the economic downturn and the Dust Bowl.
One of the initiatives undertaken by the FSA was the establishment of migrant work camps. These camps provided temporary shelter and support services for migrant agricultural workers who often traveled from place to place in search of employment. The camps aimed to improve the living conditions and provide basic necessities for these workers and their families.
The Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster that affected large parts of the United States, including Texas, during the 1930s. It was characterized by a combination of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds, which led to widespread soil erosion and dust storms.
The impact of the Dust Bowl on Texas' rural and urban communities was significant. Farmers faced immense challenges due to drought and the loss of fertile soil, leading to crop failures and economic hardship. Many families were forced to abandon their farms and migrate to other regions in search of employment and better living conditions.
Urban communities also felt the effects of the Dust Bowl, as the economic downturn in rural areas had ripple effects on industries and businesses in cities. The decline in agricultural production and the migration of farmers to cities put additional strain on urban resources and led to increased poverty and unemployment.
Overall, the Galveston Hurricane, the Progressive Movement, the Farm Security Administration, and the Dust Bowl all had significant impacts on Texas' history and shaped the economic and social landscape of the state.