Migrant Experience by Michael Martell

Why did so many of the refugees pin their hopes for a better life in California?

2023-12-06 15:29:21 UTC

One reason was that the state's mild climate allowed for a long growing season and a diversity of crops with staggered planting and harvesting cycles.

How did this start?

brandensperanza2025 — 2023-12-06 15:32:34 UTC

After World War 1 there was a drop in market price of crops, which in turn increased farming activity. This really put farmers into a tough spot due to having to overextend their money especially after the stock market crash. Farmers had a real hard time making money and when the dust bowl happened farmers had to make the trip to California in search of work. From here migrant work camps were set up all through California.

brandensperanza2025 — 2023-12-06 15:33:25 UTC

What was the Arvin Migratory Labor Camp.

michaelmartell2025 — 2023-12-06 15:33:46 UTC

The Arvin Migratory labor camp was the first federally operated camp opened by the FSA in 1937.The camps goal was to help health issues an poor sanitation.The FSA camps also gave a place for the migrants a safe space in which to retire from the discrimination that had been around them it also gave them a place to safely practice culture.

"Okies"

brandensperanza2025 — 2023-12-06 15:40:15 UTC

The term Okies refers to migrants who migrated due to the Dust Bowl, even though it included more states than just Oklahoma 20% of those people were from there.

brandensperanza2025 — 2023-12-06 15:42:10 UTC

What happen when they moved to California?

michaelmartell2025 — 2023-12-07 15:05:10 UTC

When the migrants moved to the states they had to follow the haverst.When ever the harvest was ready or where ever it was that's where they were, that is how they would try to maintain a steady income.