Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. This migration was driven by a search for better economic opportunities, escaping Jim Crow laws, and the hope for a more equitable life. It played a crucial role in reshaping urban communities and had significant implications for cultural, social, and political dynamics in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration began around 1916 and continued into the 1970s, with approximately six million African Americans moving to cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia.
2. Economic factors, including the need for industrial labor during World War I and World War II, significantly influenced the migration patterns of African Americans seeking jobs in northern factories.
3. The Great Migration led to the growth of vibrant African American communities in urban areas, influencing music, art, and culture while also contributing to racial tensions and urban challenges.
4. As migrants settled in northern cities, they played a key role in shaping labor movements and advocating for civil rights, which laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
5. This migration resulted in demographic shifts that altered political landscapes, as African Americans gained a stronger voice in northern politics and began to challenge systemic racism more openly.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence cultural developments within urban African American communities?
  • The Great Migration led to the establishment of vibrant urban African American communities, fostering a rich cultural environment that included music, literature, and visual arts. This period saw the emergence of movements like the Harlem Renaissance, where artists and intellectuals celebrated African American identity. The interaction between migrants from different Southern states also contributed to a shared cultural experience that reinforced community bonds and creativity.
• Discuss how economic factors during World War I influenced the patterns of migration seen during the Great Migration.
  • World War I created a labor shortage in northern industries as many workers were drafted into military service. This demand for labor attracted millions of African Americans from the rural South seeking better job opportunities. Factories in cities like Chicago and Detroit advertised jobs specifically targeting Southern black workers, leading to an accelerated movement that was primarily driven by economic necessity rather than merely a desire for relocation.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Migration on American society and politics in terms of civil rights advancements.
  • The Great Migration had profound long-term impacts on American society and politics. It not only transformed urban demographics but also empowered African Americans to become politically active in their new environments. As they settled in Northern cities, they formed strong voting blocs that influenced local elections and policies. This shift helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement by creating an engaged populace that challenged systemic racism and demanded equality on a national scale.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: A series of state and local statutes that legalized racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans in the Southern United States from the late 19th century until the civil rights movement.

Urbanization:

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often accompanied by significant social, economic, and cultural changes.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American culture and identity.