Guided Reading Activity The West Between The Wars

Guided Reading Activity: The West Between the Wars (1918-1939)

The period between the two World Wars (1918-1939) witnessed profound transformations in the American West, challenging its established myths and forging a new identity. This guided reading activity delves into this complex era, exploring its economic shifts, social changes, and enduring legacies. We will examine primary and secondary sources to paint a rich picture of life in the West during this pivotal time.

I. The Economic Landscape: Boom and Bust

The post-World War I era initially brought prosperity to some sectors of the Western economy. The demand for agricultural products remained high, leading to a short-lived boom. However, this prosperity was short-lived and unevenly distributed.

A. Agricultural Challenges:

• Overproduction: The war's end led to a surplus of agricultural products, causing prices to plummet. Farmers, particularly those reliant on wheat and other staples, faced crippling debt and foreclosures. This resulted in widespread rural poverty and exacerbated existing inequalities. Analyze primary source documents, such as farmers' letters or newspaper articles from the time, to understand the depth of this crisis. Keywords: agricultural depression, farm foreclosures, overproduction, Dust Bowl.

• The Dust Bowl: The decade of the 1930s saw devastating dust storms that ravaged the Great Plains, displacing thousands and further deepening the economic woes of the region. Discuss the environmental factors that contributed to the Dust Bowl and its impact on the human population. Keywords: Dust Bowl, drought, soil erosion, Okies, migration. Examine photographs and oral histories from Dust Bowl survivors to understand the human cost of this ecological disaster.

B. Industrial Growth and Urbanization:

While agriculture struggled, certain industries in the West experienced growth. The burgeoning tourism industry in national parks and the expansion of hydroelectric power contributed to economic diversification, albeit in a limited way. The growth of cities like Los Angeles and Denver reflected this shift, attracting migrants from rural areas and other parts of the country.

• Hydroelectric Power: The construction of large dams like Hoover Dam brought electricity to previously underserved areas, fostering industrial growth and contributing to the development of new towns. Investigate the social and environmental consequences of large-scale dam projects. Keywords: Hoover Dam, hydroelectric power, environmental impact, industrial growth.

• Tourism and National Parks: The growing popularity of national parks created new economic opportunities in the West, supporting tourism-related businesses and infrastructure development. Analyze the impact of tourism on the environment and the relationship between conservation efforts and economic development. Keywords: National Parks, tourism, conservation, economic development.

II. Social and Cultural Transformations:

The interwar period saw significant social and cultural changes in the West, challenging traditional values and societal structures.

A. Changing Demographics:

• Migration: The Dust Bowl and economic hardship drove massive internal migration, primarily from the Great Plains to California and other western states. This influx of migrants, often labeled "Okies," significantly altered the demographics and social fabric of Western communities. Examine primary source accounts of migrant experiences, such as John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, to understand the challenges faced by these displaced populations. Keywords: Okies, migration, Great Migration, demographic change.

• Indigenous Peoples: The interwar years continued the legacy of government policies that marginalized Native American populations. Despite some efforts towards assimilation, many Indigenous communities faced poverty, discrimination, and the loss of traditional ways of life. Explore the impact of government policies on Native American communities during this period and the resistance movements that emerged. Keywords: Native Americans, assimilation, reservation life, Indian Reorganization Act.

B. Shifting Social Norms:

• The Rise of Hollywood: The burgeoning film industry in Hollywood profoundly shaped American culture, contributing to the West's image as a land of opportunity and adventure. Analyze how Hollywood portrayed the West and its people, noting both its romanticized and stereotypical representations. Keywords: Hollywood, Western films, popular culture, cultural representation.

• Labor Movements: The economic hardships of the era fueled labor activism in the West, as workers sought better wages and working conditions. Examine the role of labor unions and the challenges they faced in organizing workers in industries such as mining and agriculture. Keywords: labor unions, strikes, industrial relations, worker's rights.

C. Political and Ideological Currents:

The interwar years witnessed a complex interplay of political ideologies in the West. The rise of populism, the lingering influence of Progressivism, and the emergence of new political movements shaped the region's political landscape.

• Populism and Progressivism: Analyze the continuing influence of populist and Progressive movements in shaping Western politics. How did these ideologies address the economic and social challenges of the era? Keywords: Populism, Progressivism, political reform, social justice.

• The New Deal and the West: The New Deal programs of President Franklin D. Roosevelt had a significant impact on the West, providing relief, recovery, and reform through projects like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Assess the effectiveness of New Deal programs in addressing the needs of the West and their lasting legacies. Keywords: New Deal, CCC, WPA, public works projects, economic recovery.

III. The Legacy of the Interwar Years:

The period between the World Wars left an indelible mark on the American West, shaping its identity and trajectory in the decades to come. The economic hardships, social upheavals, and political changes of this era continue to resonate today.

A. Environmental Consequences:

The Dust Bowl serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unsustainable agricultural practices and the vulnerability of the West's environment. The legacy of this ecological disaster continues to inform environmental policy and land management practices. Consider the long-term effects of the Dust Bowl on the environment and the lessons learned from this period of environmental devastation. Keywords: Dust Bowl legacy, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate change.

B. Social and Economic Inequality:

The interwar years exacerbated existing inequalities in the West, particularly between rural and urban populations, and among different racial and ethnic groups. The legacy of these inequalities continues to shape social and economic disparities in the region. Discuss the lingering effects of the Dust Bowl migration, the continued marginalization of Native American communities, and the persistence of economic inequalities. Keywords: social inequality, economic disparity, racial inequality, social justice.

C. Cultural Representations:

The images and narratives produced during this era—in Hollywood films, literature, and popular culture—continue to shape perceptions of the West. Analyze how these representations have influenced contemporary understandings of the region's history and identity. Consider how the romanticized and stereotypical portrayals of the West have impacted the region's self-image and its relationship with the rest of the nation. Keywords: Western mythology, cultural legacy, popular culture, identity formation.

IV. Conclusion:

The West between the wars was a period of profound transformation, characterized by economic hardship, social upheaval, and significant cultural change. By analyzing primary and secondary sources, students can gain a deeper understanding of this complex era, its challenges, and its lasting legacy. This guided reading activity provides a framework for exploring the multifaceted history of the American West during this pivotal period, encouraging critical thinking and deeper engagement with the past. The continued relevance of these issues – environmental sustainability, social and economic justice, and the power of cultural representation – highlights the enduring importance of understanding this period in American history. Further research into specific aspects of this era will enhance comprehension and provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of the West's evolution.