The Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of 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 factors including the search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination, and the desire for improved living conditions. It profoundly impacted American society, culture, and the economy, shaping the identities of both migrants and the communities they joined.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration began around 1916 and continued until 1970, with two major waves occurring: the first wave during World War I and the second wave during World War II and post-war periods.
2. During the Great Migration, over six million African Americans relocated from Southern states to Northern cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia, seeking jobs in factories and other industries.
3. Many migrants faced significant challenges in their new environments, including racial discrimination, inadequate housing, and competition for jobs with white residents.
4. The cultural impact of the Great Migration contributed to the rise of vibrant black communities in northern cities, leading to significant cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance.
5. The movement altered the demographic landscape of America, shifting political power towards urban centers and influencing civil rights movements as African Americans demanded equality and justice.

Review Questions

• How did the economic opportunities available in Northern cities influence the decisions of African Americans during the Great Migration?
  • Economic opportunities were a primary driving force behind the Great Migration. Many African Americans sought better jobs in Northern factories that were booming due to industrial growth during World War I and II. This migration was motivated by a desire for higher wages and improved living conditions compared to the oppressive agricultural work available in the South. As they moved northward, migrants hoped to escape poverty and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
• What were some of the challenges faced by African Americans during their transition to urban life in Northern cities after migrating?
  • Upon arriving in Northern cities, many African Americans encountered a variety of challenges. These included racial discrimination from white residents who often resented their presence and competition for jobs. Additionally, migrants frequently faced poor housing conditions and overcrowded neighborhoods. The struggle for civil rights began to take shape during this time as they sought not only economic advancement but also social equality in these new urban environments.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Great Migration on American society and culture throughout the 20th century.
  • The long-term impact of the Great Migration reshaped American society significantly throughout the 20th century. It facilitated the rise of vibrant cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance that highlighted African American arts and literature. Politically, it shifted power dynamics as African Americans began to assert their rights in urban settings. This movement laid foundational work for subsequent civil rights activism, influencing major legislative changes aimed at combating racism and inequality across America.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, which celebrated African American culture and showcased the talents of black artists, writers, and musicians.

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the South that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Urbanization:

The process by which large numbers of people move from rural areas to cities, often leading to growth in urban populations and changes in social structures.