Of Mice and Men Background Search

With a partner, use the following websites to help you learn more about John Steinbeck, the setting and the time period of Of Mice and Men. 

Open a Word document and email your responses to mccartneychs@gmail.com. 

Use the following websites as starting points. You can also click on links and do your own searches.

The Great Depression: The Dust Bowl

1. What events and situations led to the Dust Bowl?
2. How many states did the Dust Bowl cover? In which area of the country?
3. What happened to the population as a result of the Dust Bowl?

The Migrant Experience

1. Why did so many farmers hurt by the Dust Bowl go to California?
2. Describe the working conditions and life styles for migrant workers. Where did they live? What were their jobs like?

The History Place

Migrant Workers

1. Take time to examine the photographs of migrant workers on these websites. Read the captions and study the photos for evidence of working and living conditions. In a response of 8-10 sentences, describe what you think life as a migrant worker would be like. 

Nobel Prize

National Steinbeck Center

1. Lastly, do some research on the author, John Steinbeck. Write a response of 8-10 sentences explaining how his life experiences would influence him to write about California migrant workers.