A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which event is associated with a rapid increase in Florida land prices in the 1920s?

1. Hurricane of 1926

2. The Great Depression

3. The California Gold Rush

4. World War I

The correct answer is: Hurricane of 1926

The Hurricane of 1926 significantly contributed to a rapid increase in Florida land prices during the 1920s, particularly as the real estate boom in the state was at its peak. The hurricane itself, which caused substantial destruction and loss, ironically led to a surge in land prices following the initial recovery efforts and the perception that Florida remained a desirable place to invest. Before the hurricane, Florida had already been experiencing a real estate boom fueled by speculation and the influx of new residents drawn to its warm climate and appealing lifestyle. After the hurricane, while it caused immediate devastation, the rebuilding efforts and ongoing interest in Florida continued to drive land prices higher. The perception of Florida as a desirable destination for both winter residents and investors persisted, contributing to a speculative bubble in land prices that characterized the late 1920s. In contrast, the other options are less directly linked to a rapid increase in land prices during this specific period. The Great Depression, which began in 1929, actually led to a decline in land prices as economic conditions worsened. The California Gold Rush occurred much earlier in the 19th century and had a completely different geographical focus. World War I influenced various economic factors, but it was not specifically associated with the land price surge