What did John Steinbeck do to prepare for his The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck?

To prepare for "The Grapes of Wrath," John Steinbeck conducted extensive research on the experiences of migrant workers during the Great Depression. He traveled through California, visiting labor camps and interviewing displaced families to gather firsthand accounts of their struggles and hardships. This immersive approach allowed him to authentically capture the plight of the characters in his novel, blending factual experiences with his fictional narrative. Additionally, he studied economic and social conditions to better understand the context surrounding the migrant crisis.