Introduction
The documentary “Surviving the Dust Bowl” provides a thorough analysis of the terrible incident that came to be known as the Dust Bowl. This terrible socioeconomic and environmental crisis struck the American South in the 1930s; the documentary tries to document the Dust Bowl’s lasting effects on the lives of those in this area. The documentary successfully examines the devastating Dust Bowl incidents, conveying the severe effects of the natural calamity on the ecosystem and the people who lived there.
Main Argument
The documentary explores the Dust Bowl disaster that devastated the American South. The main argument of “Surviving the Dust Bowl” is that the effects of the Dust Bowl on the lives of residents and the environment at large were disastrous. It begins with by depicting the Southern Plains in the early 1930s when the country struggled with the Great Depression and farming was booming (“Surviving the Dust Bowl”). The increasingly intense dust storms engulfed the region, impacting not only agriculture but also the locals; theDust Bowl caused extensive crop destruction and topsoil depletion (“Surviving the Dust Bowl”). The documentary continues the argument by demonstrating how the Dust Bowl reduced once-fertile lands to a desolate wasteland and subjected people to unspeakable suffering.
Argument Support
The documentary makes a strong case by basing its story on historical information and facts. The story is given more depth by the utilization of historical data, such as weather bureau reports. The documentary notes that the Plains saw 14 dust storms in 1932, a figure that rose to 38 the following year; this shows how these storms were becoming more frequent (“Surviving the Dust Bowl,” 16:45). The usage of factual information supported the documentary’s assertions about the deteriorating circumstances.
Delivering a coherent and fact-based story, the documentary subtly rejects information that could have been proven otherwise. It suggests that it was an exceptional and one-of-a-kind occurrence rather than an ordinary weather pattern. It humanizes the story and makes it harder to argue with the gravity of the events by adding first-hand recollections from Dust Bowlers who experienced the crisis (“Surviving the Dust Bowl”). In addition, the documentary stays on topic by avoiding talking about some related topics. The documentary is able to maintain its impact and coherence while keeping its focus on the current crisis thanks to this selective approach.
Credibility
The documentary establishes credibility through historical documentation—including primary sources like photos and news reports. As mentioned before, the documentary’s credibility dramatically depends on the presence of eyewitness accounts. The documentary offers firsthand accounts of the Dust Bowl by featuring individuals who experienced it, which makes the events more relatable and emotionally impactful (“Surviving the Dust Bowl”). Throughout the documentary, professionals like environmental historians and scholars offer insightful background and analysis (“Surviving the Dust Bowl”). Video and photo evidence adds even more weight to the documentary’s legitimacy.
The documentary includes citations to official reports that cover government policies concerning the Dust Bowl; citing these official documents gives the documentary’s narrative an impartial basis. The historical perspective on the crisis is given by incorporating government promotional videos and newsreels from the 1930s (Surviving the Dust Bowl”). Together, these components provide a reliable and accurate account of the Dust Bowl that makes it difficult to doubt the accuracy of the events portrayed.
Course Connections
During the 1920s and early 1930s, the United States saw the beginning of the socioeconomic factors that contributed to the Dust Bowl. The 1920s economic environment, marked by optimism and material wealth, is the first link to the course. The “Roaring Twenties” era dramatically changed American values and priorities: people paid little attention to progressive reforms or environmental concerns, preferring to focus on personal prosperity (“Wilson and WW1,” slide 65). The 1920s economic prosperity mentality indirectly caused the Dust Bowl environmental catastrophe.
The second connection can be found in the Dust Bowl and the impact of governmental policies. One such law that affected the Southern Plains was prohibition, as covered in the course materials: when alcohol was outlawed in 1920 as a result of the 18th Amendment, organized crime became very common (“Wilson and WW1,” slide 92). These illicit activities were linked to both the economic prosperity of the era and the prohibition. The 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition in 1933, gave state and federal governments more authority (“Wilson and WW1,” slide 101). The Dust Bowl was not a stand-alone disaster; instead, it was linked to the more considerable 1930s economic downturn. The government had to step in to address the terrible conditions brought on by the Dust Bowl.
Conclusion
In summary, the documentary skillfully builds its case by providing a solid narrative that captures the effects of the Dust Bowl. The documentary’s portrayal of this environmental catastrophe is compelling and credible. The viewers can comprehend the far-reaching effects on the environment and the people who endured it through historical accounts, firsthand testimonies, expert analysis, visual evidence, and statistical data. The Dust Bowl is a testament to the interdependence of historical, economic, and environmental factors. This documentary offers an engaging discussion of this tragic chapter in American history.
Works Cited
“Surviving the Dust Bowl.” American Experience, created by Chana Gazit et al., season 10, episode 8, PBS. 1998.
“Wilson and WW1”. 2023. PowerPoint presentation.