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The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927: A Devastating Event That Transformed America

Darnell Mitchell

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Published in Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood Of 1927 And How It Changed America

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The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history. It caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and had a profound impact on the nation's economy and culture.

The flood was caused by a combination of factors, including:

Heavy rainfall: The winter and spring of 1927 were unusually wet, with heavy rainfall causing the Mississippi River and its tributaries to swell.
Melting snow: The heavy snowpack in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains melted rapidly in the spring, adding to the volume of water in the river.
Deforestation: Widespread deforestation in the Mississippi River basin had increased the amount of runoff into the river, making it more susceptible to flooding.
Levees: The levees that had been built along the Mississippi River were not strong enough to withstand the pressure of the rising water.

The flood inundated an area of over 25,000 square miles, affecting seven states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. It destroyed homes, businesses, and crops, and caused widespread economic damage. The flood also led to the deaths of over 2,500 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history.

Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America

by John M. Barry

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	547 pages

The flood had a particularly devastating impact on African American communities. Many African Americans lived in low-lying areas that were most vulnerable to flooding. They also faced discrimination in access to disaster relief, which compounded the suffering caused by the flood.

The federal government responded to the flood with a massive disaster relief effort. President Herbert Hoover visited the flooded areas and pledged federal assistance. The government provided food, shelter, and medical care to flood victims, and also helped to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

The disaster relief effort was not without its critics. Some argued that the government was not ng enough to help flood victims, particularly African Americans. Others criticized the government's decision to use the Army Corps of Engineers to build new levees, arguing that this would only increase the risk of future flooding.

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 had a profound impact on American society. It led to a number of changes in flood control policy, including the construction of stronger levees and the creation of the TVA. The flood also raised awareness of the need to address racial inequality in disaster relief.

The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 is a reminder of the devastating power of natural disasters. It is also a testament to the resilience of the American people, who came together to help their neighbors in their time of need.

Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America

by John M. Barry

4.7 out of 5