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 migration was driven by a search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination, and the desire for a better quality of life, significantly influencing cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration began around 1916 and continued in waves until 1970, with two major waves occurring: the first from 1916 to 1940 and the second from 1941 to 1970.
2. African Americans moved primarily to cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia, where they sought better job opportunities in industrial sectors.
3. The migration led to significant demographic changes in urban areas, increasing the African American population in Northern cities and changing the cultural landscape.
4. Many African Americans who migrated were inspired by World War I labor demands and later World War II, which created job openings in factories and other industries.
5. The Great Migration laid the groundwork for social movements advocating for civil rights and equality, culminating in pivotal moments such as the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence cultural developments like the Harlem Renaissance?
  • The Great Migration had a profound impact on cultural developments such as the Harlem Renaissance by bringing a large number of African Americans into urban centers where they could express their artistic talents freely. As they settled in cities like New York, these migrants contributed to a vibrant cultural scene characterized by literature, music, and visual arts that celebrated Black identity and experiences. The convergence of diverse voices and experiences during this period fostered a unique artistic expression that defined the Harlem Renaissance.
• Discuss the socio-economic factors that drove African Americans to migrate during the Great Migration.
  • African Americans were driven to migrate during the Great Migration primarily due to socio-economic factors such as poor economic conditions in the South, lack of job opportunities, and oppressive Jim Crow laws. The promise of industrial jobs in Northern cities was a major pull factor, especially as World War I created labor shortages. Additionally, many sought refuge from systemic racism and violence in search of a more equitable life where they could pursue educational and economic advancement.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Migration on American society and culture.
  • The long-term impacts of the Great Migration on American society and culture are significant. It transformed demographic patterns in urban America, leading to increased visibility and influence of African Americans in cultural and political spheres. The migration also contributed to important civil rights movements by fostering a sense of solidarity among African Americans. As new communities formed in Northern cities, they became centers for activism that challenged racial inequalities, ultimately playing a critical role in shaping contemporary discussions about race relations in America.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, from the 1910s to the mid-1930s, celebrating African American culture and expressing the experiences of Black individuals.

Jim Crow Laws:

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

New Negro Movement:

A cultural and political movement during the Harlem Renaissance that encouraged African Americans to embrace their cultural heritage and fight for civil rights and social justice.