The Dust Bowl

Recalling the 1930s-era environmental catastrophe that destroyed the farmlands of the Great Plains and caused massive dust storms and "dust pneumonia." The 1920s saw a wheat boom in the region, but the Depression led to a drop in prices. In a bid to recoup losses, farmers—acting against the recommendations of the government—harvested more wheat. But (more…)Recalling the 1930s-era environmental catastrophe that destroyed the farmlands of the Great Plains and caused massive dust storms and "dust pneumonia." The 1920s saw a wheat boom in the region, but the Depression led to a drop in prices. In a bid to recoup losses, farmers—acting against the recommendations of the government—harvested more wheat. But that left fields open and, once drought hit in 1932, created the Dust Bowl. The documentary includes first-person stories, photos and film footage.