The great migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This significant demographic shift was driven by a combination of economic opportunities, escape from Jim Crow laws, and the search for better living conditions, profoundly impacting American society and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration was driven largely by the desire for economic opportunities in Northern cities, where industrial jobs were available due to World War I and the decline of labor in the South.
2. During the Great Migration, cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia saw significant increases in their African American populations, leading to vibrant cultural communities.
3. The movement was marked by challenges including racial discrimination and violence in Northern cities, despite the promise of better opportunities.
4. The Great Migration played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, as newly settled African Americans began to engage more actively in civil rights movements and politics.
5. The cultural impact of the Great Migration contributed to the Harlem Renaissance, as artists and intellectuals expressed their experiences and identities through various forms of art.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration alter the demographics of Northern cities during its peak?
  • The Great Migration significantly altered the demographics of Northern cities as millions of African Americans relocated from the rural South. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York experienced rapid increases in their African American populations. This influx not only changed the racial composition of these urban areas but also led to the establishment of vibrant communities that contributed richly to local cultures and economies.
• What were some of the social and economic factors that motivated African Americans to leave the South during the Great Migration?
  • African Americans were motivated to leave the South during the Great Migration primarily due to economic factors like job availability in Northern factories, especially during World War I. Additionally, they sought to escape oppressive Jim Crow laws and violent racism prevalent in Southern society. The promise of better living conditions and educational opportunities also played a significant role in their decision to migrate northward.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Migration on American society and culture, particularly regarding race relations and political activism.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Migration on American society were profound, particularly concerning race relations and political activism. As African Americans settled in Northern cities, they became increasingly engaged in civil rights movements, influencing national politics. The cultural contributions during this period led to a greater recognition of African American art and literature, exemplified by movements like the Harlem Renaissance. Furthermore, this migration laid groundwork for future civil rights activism by fostering a collective identity among African Americans that would challenge systemic racism across the country.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws:

A series of state and local statutes that legalized racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the Southern United States.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York during the 1920s, showcasing the talents and creativity of African Americans.

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that took place during the 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and hardship, impacting African American communities disproportionately.