The Great Depression in America, which began with the stock market crash in October 1929 and continued until the start of World War II 12 years later, is depicted in The Grapes of Wrath. The Dust Bowl, often known as a protracted period of drought and strong winds, occurred during this time and impacted a significant portion of Oklahoma and the American Midwest. Many residents of the lower Midwest left in an effort to locate productive land where they could earn a life. The protagonist or primary character of The Grapes of Wrath is Tom Joad. Tom is the protagonist of the book as well, despite the fact that he beats a guy and fights a police officer while living in a cave at different points in the story.