Look at the following photographs of the people and scenes of the Great Depression. Study them carefully so you can analyze them in the next section. Observe each one for a minute or two and take notes, writing down as much information as you can.

 “Migrant Mother”

Destitute pea picker Florence Thompson with several of her children, photographed in Nipomo, California. She is holding and infant and her other two children are looking away from the camera.

Source: Migrant Mother. Dorothea Lange, Library of Congress

 

An abandoned farm covered in dust.

Photo of an abandoned farm that has been covered in dirt. The tractors in the forefront of the photo are almost completely covered by the dust. There is a house in the background and a barn in the back. A windmill can be seen far in the background.

Source: Dust Bowl 3, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

Weedpatch Camp was a federal camp created for migrant workers

Photo of a weedpatch camp, with more than twenty visible tents and one wooden building.

Source: Weedpatch Camp, Easy Rider.

Now pick two of the photos and complete a Photo Analysis Chart for each one to help you understand the impact of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

Copy the entire chart below into your notes or you can click here and print a copy of the worksheet to complete the activity.

Photo Title:
Step 1. Observation. Study the photograph for 2 minutes. Form an overall impression of the photograph and then examine individual items. Next, divide the photo into quadrants and study each section to see what new details become visible. List people, objects, and activities in the photograph

People:

 

Objects:

 

Activities:

 
Step 2. Inference. Based on what you have observed above, list three things you might infer from this photograph.

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 
Step 3. Questions.

What questions does this photograph raise in your mind?

 

Where could you find answers to them?