The Dust Bowl migration of the Great Depression has been immortalized in American culture though pieces of literature like John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath (1939). The movement began because the extremely harsh and arid climate of the 1930s, combined with the loss of jobs caused by the Great Depression, meant that many farmers in America’s Great Plains and Midwest states were no longer able to sustain themselves. They migrated, with their families, en masse to the west coast. Because this migration was caused by an environmental disaster it is known as an “eco-migration.”

The Dust Bowl migration of the Great Depression has been immortalized in American culture though pieces of literature like John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath (1939). The movement began because the extremely harsh and arid climate of the 1930s, combined with the loss of jobs caused by the Great Depression, meant that many farmers in America’s Great Plains and Midwest states were no longer able to sustain themselves. They migrated, with their families, en masse to the west coast. Because this migration was caused by an environmental disaster it is known as an “eco-migration.”

Internal migration involves movement within a nation-state (e.g., the United States). Mikey's movement from New York to New Hampshire is a good example of internal migration.

Internal migration involves movement within a nation-state (e.g., the United States). Mikey's movement from New York to New Hampshire is a good example of internal migration.

In geographic terminology you will often hear the term “push and pull factors.” A “pull factor” is something that attracts an individual to migrate to a certain place; it “pulls” the individual in. A “push factor” is something that encourages individuals to migrate away from a certain place; it “pushes” the individual away.

In geographic terminology you will often hear the term “push and pull factors.” A “pull factor” is something that attracts an individual to migrate to a certain place; it “pulls” the individual in. A “push factor” is something that encourages individuals to migrate away from a certain place; it “pushes” the individual away.

In 1970, there were reported to be 2.9 million refugees worldwide. In 2000, that number was reported to have increased to 24 million. Thus, the number of refugees increased by a multiple of about 8.

In 1970, there were reported to be 2.9 million refugees worldwide. In 2000, that number was reported to have increased to 24 million. Thus, the number of refugees increased by a multiple of about 8.

"Mobility" is the ability of something or someone to move from one place or region to another. "Migration" refers specifically to groups of people or animals moving from one region or country to another. "Travel" is voluntary movement from one region to another.

"Mobility" is the ability of something or someone to move from one place or region to another. "Migration" refers specifically to groups of people or animals moving from one region or country to another. "Travel" is voluntary movement from one region to another.