Who were the "Okies" during the Great Depression in California?

During the Great Depression, the term "Okies" specifically referred to migrant farmers from Oklahoma who traveled to California in search of work, largely due to the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and severe economic hardships they faced in their home state.

These individuals, many of whom were displaced due to drought and agricultural collapse, sought better opportunities and the possibility of employment in California's agricultural sector. They often faced significant challenges upon their arrival, such as prejudice, competition for jobs, and poor living conditions in temporary camps or makeshift shelters.

This migration significantly influenced California's agricultural practices and the state's demographics during that era, as the influx of migrant workers contributed to both the labor force needed for the booming agricultural industry and the cultural landscape of the region.