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 movement was driven by a search for better economic opportunities, social conditions, and an escape from the systemic racism and Jim Crow laws prevalent in the South. It significantly impacted urban demographics, culture, and contributed to the development of a distinct African American identity in various cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is often divided into two waves: the first wave occurred from 1916 to 1940, while the second wave spanned from 1941 to 1970.
2. During this period, millions of African Americans relocated to cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia, reshaping the demographic landscape of these urban areas.
3. The migration led to increased political activism within African American communities as they sought to address civil rights issues and combat systemic injustices.
4. This mass movement helped to spread African American culture across the country, influencing music genres such as jazz and blues, which became integral to American culture.
5. The Great Migration also contributed to the rise of organizations such as the NAACP and labor unions that worked towards improving rights and working conditions for African Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence African American cultural identity in urban areas?
  • The Great Migration had a profound impact on African American cultural identity by facilitating a movement toward urban areas where African Americans could express their experiences and creativity more freely. Cities like Harlem became hubs for cultural exchange and artistic expression during events like the Harlem Renaissance. This period allowed for a vibrant community that fostered literature, music, and art reflective of African American life and struggles.
• Evaluate how the Great Migration affected social and political dynamics in Northern cities.
  • The Great Migration transformed social and political dynamics in Northern cities by increasing the African American population significantly. This demographic shift led to greater political representation as migrants began to vote and engage in civic activities. Moreover, it fostered new alliances among various ethnic groups while also igniting tensions over jobs, housing, and social services. Consequently, the push for civil rights gained momentum as these communities organized to advocate for their rights.
• Assess the long-term consequences of the Great Migration on American society as a whole.
  • The long-term consequences of the Great Migration on American society are substantial. It not only altered the demographics of numerous cities but also led to a national awareness of racial inequalities. The cultural exchanges during this time influenced music, art, and literature across America, making them an integral part of national culture. Moreover, the movement laid groundwork for future civil rights movements by mobilizing African Americans politically and socially against systemic injustices.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, representing a peak of African American cultural expression.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Urbanization: The process through which cities grow as more people move into them, often leading to significant changes in society, culture, and economy.