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 not only transformed the social fabric of American cities but also contributed to the economic and cultural revitalization of these areas, influencing everything from labor markets to art and music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration was largely driven by factors such as economic opportunities in northern factories, the need for labor during World War I, and the oppressive conditions under Jim Crow laws in the South.
2. Major cities that saw significant increases in African American populations included Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia.
3. This migration led to the establishment of vibrant African American communities in urban areas, where cultural expressions like jazz and blues flourished.
4. The Great Migration profoundly impacted American society by changing voting patterns, contributing to the civil rights movement, and reshaping urban political dynamics.
5. It is estimated that over 1.5 million African Americans moved to northern cities between 1916 and 1940 alone, fundamentally altering the demographic landscape of America.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence urbanization in Northern cities?
  • The Great Migration significantly accelerated urbanization in Northern cities as millions of African Americans moved from rural Southern areas seeking better economic opportunities. This influx of people not only increased the population density but also spurred the growth of new neighborhoods and communities. As migrants settled into urban areas, they transformed city economies by filling labor shortages in industries and changing cultural landscapes through their contributions to arts and social movements.
• Discuss the relationship between Jim Crow laws and the Great Migration.
  • Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans in the South, creating dire living conditions that motivated many to leave their homes. The oppressive atmosphere fueled by these laws made life unbearable for countless individuals, prompting them to seek freedom and opportunity in Northern cities. As a result, this migration was both a response to systemic racism and a quest for better livelihoods, significantly reshaping demographics across America.
• Evaluate the long-term cultural impacts of the Great Migration on American society.
  • The long-term cultural impacts of the Great Migration on American society are profound and multifaceted. This mass movement facilitated the emergence of vibrant cultural hubs where African Americans could express themselves freely through music, literature, and art—most notably during the Harlem Renaissance. Additionally, it played a crucial role in shaping political awareness and activism within the African American community, laying essential groundwork for future civil rights movements. The blending of cultures also enriched American society as a whole, creating a more diverse national identity.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement during the 1920s in Harlem, New York, that celebrated African American literature, art, music, and intellectualism, largely influenced by the influx of migrants from the South.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans, prompting many to seek better opportunities in the North.

Urbanization:

The process through which cities grow as populations increase; during the Great Migration, urbanization was significantly accelerated in Northern cities due to the influx of African Americans seeking jobs and a better quality of life.