The environmental disaster that struck the Dust Bowl states in the 1930s was primarily caused by severe drought and poor agricultural practices, leading to massive dust storms. This phenomenon affected areas in the Great Plains, including states like Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado. As farmers plowed the land, they removed native grasses that held the soil in place, making it vulnerable to wind erosion. The resulting dust storms caused significant ecological and economic damage, displacing thousands of families, leading to the mass migration of "Okies," and highlighting the need for better farming practices and soil conservation methods.