What does the term 'Okies' refer to in the context of California history?

The term 'Okies' specifically refers to farmers from Oklahoma who migrated to California during the Great Depression of the 1930s. This massive movement of people was primarily driven by economic hardship and environmental disaster, particularly the Dust Bowl, which severely affected agricultural production in the Great Plains, including Oklahoma. As these farmers sought better opportunities, they traveled westward to California, where they hoped to find work in the agricultural sectors that were booming at the time.

The term 'Okies' carried a certain stigma and was often used pejoratively by residents of California, reflecting the tensions between the local population and the influx of newcomers. The narratives surrounding 'Okies' play a significant role in California's cultural and historical context, highlighting issues of migration, economic struggle, and social integration during this pivotal period.

The other choices do not fit this definition, as they reference different groups or contexts unrelated to the Great Depression and its impact on migration to California.