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 migration was driven by various factors, including the search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination, and the desire for improved living conditions. It significantly transformed the demographics and cultural landscape of American cities while impacting labor markets across the country.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration involved approximately six million African Americans moving from the South to Northern and Western cities.
2. This migration peaked in two waves: the first during World War I (1916-1920) and the second during World War II (1941-1945).
3. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia saw significant increases in their African American populations due to the Great Migration.
4. The Great Migration had a profound impact on American culture, leading to a greater visibility of African American culture through music, literature, and art.
5. Labor shortages during World War I and World War II opened up job opportunities for African Americans in industrial sectors that were previously dominated by white workers.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence urban labor markets in Northern cities?
  • The Great Migration significantly influenced urban labor markets by introducing a large workforce of African Americans seeking jobs in industrial sectors. As they filled vacancies created by World War I and II labor shortages, they contributed to the growth of factories and other industries. This influx not only altered demographic patterns but also led to increased competition for jobs among both black and white workers, sometimes resulting in racial tensions but also driving changes in labor rights movements.
• Discuss the social and cultural impacts of the Great Migration on cities that received large numbers of African Americans.
  • The Great Migration had profound social and cultural impacts on cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York. These cities became vibrant centers for African American culture, especially evident during the Harlem Renaissance, which saw a flourishing of music, literature, and art. The migration fostered a sense of community among African Americans in these urban areas, creating new social networks and organizations that advocated for civil rights and cultural identity.
• Evaluate how the Great Migration reshaped the political landscape in the United States during the 20th century.
  • The Great Migration reshaped the political landscape by increasing African American populations in Northern cities, which subsequently led to greater political representation. As these communities gained strength, they began to advocate for civil rights more forcefully. This shift contributed to significant political changes, including the alignment of African Americans with the Democratic Party during the New Deal era and later mobilizations during the civil rights movement, highlighting their role as a pivotal force in U.S. politics.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American arts and literature.

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 civil rights movement.

Urbanization: The process by which large numbers of people move from rural areas to cities, resulting in population growth and changes in city structure and dynamics.