Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West between 1916 and 1970, driven by factors such as economic opportunities, escaping racial segregation, and seeking better living conditions. This migration significantly influenced the social and cultural landscape of America, leading to a transformation in African American identity and expression, particularly in literature and oral traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration was largely driven by the search for better job opportunities during World War I and later during World War II when labor shortages occurred in northern factories.
2. Many African Americans fled oppressive conditions in the South, including violence, discrimination, and lack of civil rights under Jim Crow laws.
3. The migration led to significant demographic shifts in major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, contributing to urbanization and changing social dynamics.
4. As African Americans settled in northern cities, they created vibrant communities that fostered cultural expressions like music (e.g., jazz and blues) and literature.
5. The Great Migration laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights movements by increasing political awareness and activism among African Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration affect the social structure of urban centers in the North?
  • The Great Migration significantly altered the social structure of urban centers in the North by increasing the African American population in cities such as Chicago and Detroit. This influx led to the establishment of vibrant communities where African Americans could express their culture through music, art, and literature. However, it also resulted in challenges like competition for jobs and housing, which sometimes caused tensions with white residents.
• Discuss the relationship between the Great Migration and the development of literary movements among African Americans.
  • The Great Migration played a crucial role in fostering literary movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. As African Americans relocated to urban areas, they found new audiences and venues for their work. Writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston explored themes of identity, race, and social justice, reflecting their experiences in both rural Southern life and urban Northern settings. This period marked a flowering of African American literature that challenged prevailing stereotypes and celebrated cultural heritage.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Great Migration on African American culture and identity in contemporary society.
  • The long-term implications of the Great Migration on African American culture are profound and continue to shape identity today. This migration laid the foundation for a greater emphasis on cultural expression through art forms such as hip-hop, spoken word poetry, and film. It also fostered a sense of community and activism that has been vital in contemporary movements for social justice. Understanding this migration helps contextualize ongoing issues of race relations in America and highlights the resilience of African American culture throughout history.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American literature, music, and art.

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the late 19th century until the civil rights movement.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a particular group of people, often passed down orally through generations.