American History Chapters 19-21 Highlights

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Questions and Answers

What allowed the Americans to seize California from the Mexicans in chapter 19?

Their hunger for the land overpowered any desire that the comfortable Mexicans felt.

What happens to landowners as time passes?

Farms expand, and laborers are imported from overseas to aid the harvest.

What are Hoovervilles?

Shantytowns built by unemployed and destitute people during the Great Depression.

What happens when greedy businesses develop?

<p>The more workers come, the less they have to pay them, and owners ensure workers keep up with demand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is ownership in chapter 19?

<p>Businesses grow crops on a field, preventing others from using the land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Hoovervilles?

<p>The government raids and burns Hoovervilles on the grounds of public health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the owners actually hurting themselves?

<p>Hungry and miserable migrants could come together and overpower businesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the Joads end up?

<p>A Hooverville.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma decide regarding the starving children?

<p>She decides to feed her family first and give the kids any leftovers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has Connie done?

<p>Abandoned the family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the Joads encounter after they leave Hooverville?

<p>A blockade of men carrying pick handles and shotguns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Ma and Tom discuss about 'the people'?

<p>They discuss the significance of hardworking migrants who will always persevere despite suffering.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do the rich/owners hate migrants?

<p>They are scared of migrants who desire more than they can comprehend.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the banks work against themselves?

<p>They spend money to suppress laborers instead of improving their quality of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are stoop crops?

<p>Vegetables that force farmers into a lowly position while farming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'secret gardening' refer to?

<p>Migrant farmers trying to cultivate land they are often removed from by authorities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim Casy take blame for?

<p>The altercation with the deputy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the entire camp preparing for in chapter 24?

<p>A dance on Saturday night.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central committee concerned about?

<p>The expected riot at the dance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the government camp.

<p>Run by elected committees with rules established by the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who scares Rosasharn?

<p>Lisbeth Sandry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nativism

A belief that favors the interests of native-born people over immigrants. In the context of the Great Depression, it led to the seizure of California from Mexicans, driven by Americans' hunger for land.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns made of cardboard and other makeshift materials, they housed the unemployed during the Great Depression. These settlements were named after President Herbert Hoover, who was blamed for the economic hardship.

Labor Exploitation

The unjust treatment of workers, often involving low wages, unsafe working conditions, and the denial of basic rights. This was prevalent during the Great Depression as businesses, driven by greed, hired more workers, leading to wage decreases due to an oversupply of desperate workers.

Mechanization

The use of machines to replace human labor. During the Great Depression, businesses increasingly adopted mechanization, undermining the need to pay fair wages to workers.

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Land Ownership

The right to control and use a piece of land. In the context of the Great Depression, owners grew crops on land they owned, barring others from utilizing it, causing disputes and tension.

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Community Spirit

A sense of shared purpose and responsibility that binds people together, fostering cooperation and mutual support. This was crucial for survival in government camps during the Great Depression, where people shared resources and worked together.

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Government Camp

A temporary settlement established by the government to provide housing and support for migrant workers during the Great Depression. These camps emphasized self-governance and mutual assistance.

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Migrant Experience

The trials and tribulations faced by people who leave their homes to seek better opportunities. During the Great Depression, migrants faced hardship, violence, and displacement, but also found moments of joy and resilience.

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Music in Community

The role of music in fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. In migrant communities, music played a vital role in bonding, providing solace, and enriching their social interactions.

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Central Committee

A group of individuals elected to govern and manage the government camps during the Great Depression. They aimed to ensure order, fairness, and security within the camps.

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Oppression

The unjust or cruel exercise of power over others, leading to their suffering. The Great Depression saw the working class facing oppression from wealthy businesses, with the mechanization of labor and unfair wages.

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Resilience

The ability to bounce back from adversity and hardship. The migrants faced immense challenges during the Great Depression, yet their resilience and determination were key to their survival.

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Floyd Knowles

A character who provides insights on labor exploitation and advises caution around the police.

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Jim Casy

A character who embodies selflessness and devotion to others. He takes blame for Tom's actions, showcasing his compassion and impacting Uncle John's emotional state.

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Ezra Huston and Willie Eaton

Central figures in the camp organization, representing the migrants' struggle for dignity and control.

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Societal Commentary

The messages and criticisms that a work of art conveys about society. The Great Depression narratives offer insights into the nature of power, the role of community, and the detrimental effects of economic inequality.

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Hoovervilles as Symbol

Hoovervilles represent the desperation and vulnerability of the migrant population during the Great Depression. They serve as a stark reminder of the economic hardships and lack of adequate housing.

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Mechanization as Symbol

Mechanization symbolizes the industrial exploitation and the loss of traditional farming practices during the Great Depression. It represents the shift from human labor to machines, with negative consequences for workers.

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Community as Theme

Community emerges as a critical theme, with cooperation seen as essential for survival against societal forces. The Great Depression narratives highlight the power of shared resources and collective action in overcoming hardship.

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Study Notes

Chapter 19 Highlights

  • Nativism leads to the seizure of California from Mexicans, driven by Americans' hunger for land.
  • Descendants of American squatters eventually become landowners over time.
  • Landowners import laborers from overseas as their farms expand, becoming abusive and disconnected from farming’s natural harmony.

Chapter 20: Hoovervilles and Labor Dynamics

  • Hoovervilles are shantytowns made of cardboard, housing the unemployed during the Great Depression.
  • As business greed increases, more laborers are hired, resulting in wages decreasing due to an oversupply of desperate workers.
  • Businesses use mechanization to replace workers, undermining their need to pay fair rates.

Chapter 21: Economic Impacts and Community Struggles

  • Owners grow crops on land, asserting ownership and barring others from utilizing it.
  • Hoovervilles face government raids, leading to further displacement of families.
  • Greedy businesses inadvertently create a powerful, unrestful population of migrants ready to revolt against oppression.

Chapter 22: Government Camp and Community Spirit

  • The Joad family settles in a government camp characterized by self-governance and mutual assistance.
  • Elected committees maintain order and provide basic services without outside police interference.
  • A sense of community emerges as sharing and cooperation become essential for survival.

Chapter 23: Migrant Experiences and Desires

  • Migrants seek pleasure amidst the hardship, engaging in drinking, dancing, and socializing.
  • The chapter recounts stories of violence and hardship faced by migrants, illustrating their resilience.
  • Music plays a significant role in community bonding, with instruments like harmonicas and fiddles enriching their social interactions.

Chapter 24: Tensions and Anticipation of Change

  • The entire camp prepares for a dance, conscious of potential riots due to rising tensions with local authorities.
  • Ezra Huston and Willie Eaton lead the Central Committee, strategizing to prevent unrest.
  • The chapter explores themes of oppression, resilience, and the deepening divide between migrants and local authorities, symbolizing broader societal conflicts.

Key Figures

  • Floyd Knowles: Provides insights on labor exploitation and advises caution around police.
  • Jim Casy: Takes blame for Tom's actions, showcasing selflessness and impacting Uncle John's emotional state.
  • Ezra Huston and Willie Eaton: Central figures in camp organization, reflecting the migrants' struggle for dignity and control.

Societal Commentary

  • Encourages reflection on the nature of power and the role of community in resisting oppression.
  • Depicts the detrimental effects of mechanization on human labor and dignity.
  • Highlights the struggles of the working class against wealth accumulation and corporate greed.

Symbols and Themes

  • Hoovervilles: Represent desperation and the vulnerability of the migrant population.
  • Mechanization: Symbolizes industrial exploitation and the loss of traditional farming practices.
  • Community: Emerges as a critical theme, with cooperation seen as essential for survival against societal forces.

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