One of the most serious and severe things that made the depression as bad as it was the drought. During the 1930s, the weather did not co-operate and caused many problems for Canada overall. The many blizzards and severe winters froze many cattle to death. There were even some snowless winters followed by springs with little rain and summers that were burning hot. These combinations resulted in very dry soil conditions for severe dust storms that destroyed the crops. Adding to this, grasshoppers were also a major problem because they ate many of the crops that did grow and destroyed the land.
This picture shows how the land was green and developed in the 1920's (left), but how it was dead, unproductive and full of dust in the 1930's (right).
Effect on economy.
Crop failure meant that wheat prices dropped lower and lower. Canada sold $ 218,000,000 worth of wheat during 1928 . This dropped to about $ 16,000,000 in 1937. Since the world wheat market had collapsed, they weren't able to put their wheat in the market. This forces 85% of farmers onto some form of relief ( local welfare scheme ). The three provinces most affected were Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. .
Effect on Canadians.
Because of the drought and other weather conditions prevented crops from growing, the farmers weren't able to produce the needed amount of food. Since the conditions didn't allow for good production, many Canadians had to go hungry throughout the harsh winters and the blazing summers of the 1930s. Many farmers abandoned their farms and looked for other ways to survive. .
This picture shows how bare the land was and how farmers, like the one shown above, couldn't continue making a living on the farm.
Relief Camps.
Relief camps, such as this one, were brought into effect to provide food, lodging, clothing, and medical care for those who needed it. These camps were run by the department of National Defense, and admitted only men over the age of 18 .
