historical context

Question 1

The Great Depression

Answer 1

• The economic crisis beginning with the stock market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930s
• Huge rates of unemployment → itinerant workers moving (to California) in search of work
• Famine and hunger

Question 2

The Dustbowl

Answer 2

• Sandstorms, drought and a lack of moisture
  → all crops were wiped out
• Happened in the plains and caused mass migration west to California
• Itinerant workers went searching in California for jobs (usually on ranches)

Question 3

itinerant workers

Answer 3

People (men) that travelled around the (usually Western) states searching for jobs (usually on ranches), and going from temporary job to temporary job.
- Lonely
- No permanence
- Nomadic lifestyle

Question 4

Working Conditions

Answer 4

• Little to no accident compensation (Candy’s hand, Crooks’ back)
• Poor working conditions

Question 5

Wages

Answer 5

No minimum wage → employers would often pay their workers very little money, they had full control
- Short contracts → little money earnt → no disposable income and not many belongings (bunk house description)