Drought and the Great Depression hit rural northeastern Oregon hard, though government programs brought irrigation projects and miles of paved roads to the area. World War II brought prosperity but also pulled many residents away, although many Mexican people came to work the fields.
Dry Years, Hard Times:
The great drought in northeastern Oregeon coincided with and lasted about as long as the Great Depression.
The New Deal:
A variety of New Deal programs sought to address the widespread unemployment that plagued northeastern Oregon during the depression years.
The War's Economic and Social Impact:
While northeastern Oregon did not gain a lot in the way of war jobs the World War II did impact the area’s economy.
Going and Coming: Mexican Americans:
Large agricultural growers turned to the
Bracero program to address the wartime labor shortage.
