The Great Depression had a profound effect on John Steinbeck's early life, heavily influencing his writing. Growing up in California, Steinbeck witnessed the struggles of migrant workers and the profound economic hardships faced by many during this era. This exposure to societal issues and human suffering became central themes in his works, such as "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men", reflecting the resilience and dignity of the human spirit amid adversity.