Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of over six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This migration significantly influenced the cultural landscape of America, especially in the development of jazz and its spread across various cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration was driven by various factors, including escaping Jim Crow laws, seeking better economic opportunities, and pursuing a more vibrant cultural life.
2. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia saw significant increases in their African American populations due to the Great Migration, creating dynamic urban centers for black culture.
3. Jazz music evolved as a direct result of this migration, as African American musicians brought their unique sounds and styles to northern cities, leading to new forms of musical expression.
4. The Great Migration also contributed to the emergence of new cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated black identity through art, music, literature, and performance.
5. The migration patterns not only reshaped African American communities but also altered the demographics of northern cities and influenced social dynamics across America.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of jazz music in northern cities?
  • The Great Migration brought a significant number of African American musicians to northern cities like Chicago and New York. These musicians introduced their Southern musical traditions, which included elements of blues and ragtime, into urban environments. The blending of these styles led to innovative forms of jazz that would define much of the musical landscape during the Jazz Age.
• In what ways did the Great Migration contribute to cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance?
  • The Great Migration played a crucial role in fueling the Harlem Renaissance by providing a concentrated population of African Americans in urban areas. This migration created an environment ripe for artistic expression, allowing writers, musicians, and visual artists to share their experiences and heritage. The vibrant community dynamics in places like Harlem helped catalyze a flourishing cultural scene that celebrated black identity and creativity.
• Evaluate the broader social impacts of the Great Migration on American society during the early 20th century.
  • The Great Migration had profound effects on American society as it transformed urban landscapes and contributed to changing race relations. With an influx of African Americans into northern cities, new cultural dynamics emerged that challenged existing racial stereotypes. This migration also led to increased racial tensions in some areas but ultimately set the stage for civil rights advancements by fostering greater political consciousness among African Americans in their new communities.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, reflecting the flourishing of African American culture and arts during and after the Great Migration.

Ragtime: A musical genre that emerged in the late 19th century characterized by its syncopated rhythm, which laid the groundwork for the transition to jazz.

Chicago Jazz:

A style of jazz that developed in Chicago during the 1920s, heavily influenced by musicians who migrated from New Orleans, shaping the sound and structure of early jazz.