American Experience S10E08 · Surviving the Dust Bowl

Overview

Children of 1930s Plains farmers recall the Dust Bowl, the eight-year drought that was made far worse by the 30 years of aggressive farming that preceded it. "A lot of people thought it was the end of the world," one survivor says.

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Subtitles

Episodes

1. 1 1. Truman (1): An Accident of Democracy1997-10-05 · 55mA study of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president. Part 1 covers his service during World War I; his accomplishments as a small-time Kansas City politician; his two terms as a Missour
2. 2 2. Truman (2): The Moon, the Stars and All the Planets1997-10-06 · 55mHarry S. Truman recalls his post-WWII economic policies; his 1948 presidential campaign; the Korean War; and his celebrated clash with Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
3. 3 3. A Midwife's Tale1998-01-19 · 55mChronicling the efforts of historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich to gather facts about early American life through the diaries of Maine resident and midwife Martha Ballard (1735?-1812).
4. 4 4. Mr. Miami Beach1998-02-02 · 55mRecalling the life of Carl Fisher, the entrepreneur who “sold the glamour of Florida” and turned a swampland into Miami Beach. Included: how he developed the resort town using tops
5. 5 5. Influenza 19181998-02-09 · 55mChronicling the epidemic of the Spanish flu in 1918, which claimed “more than 600,000 lives.” Included: futile attempts to develop a vaccine; and how the virus spread to Europe.
6. 6 6. Reagan (1): Lifeguard1998-02-23 · 1h 55mThe life and legacy of Ronald Reagan are examined in a two-part study, beginning with his impoverished childhood; his start as a radio sportscaster and career as an actor; his two
7. 7 7. Reagan (2): An American Crusade1998-02-24 · 55mThe conclusion of a biography of Ronald Reagan focuses on the president's second term and includes his defense-spending policies and the Iran-Contra scandal.
8. 8 8. Surviving the Dust Bowl1998-03-02 · 55mChildren of 1930s Plains farmers recall the Dust Bowl, the eight-year drought that was made far worse by the 30 years of aggressive farming that preceded it. "A lot of people thoug
9. 9 9. Riding the Rails1998-04-13 · 55mDuring the Depression-era 1930's, tens of thousands of teenagers hopped freight trains in search of a better life elsewhere. What they found was a mixture of adventure, camaraderie