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 between 1916 and 1970, primarily seeking better economic opportunities and escaping racial discrimination. This migration significantly influenced various musical forms, cultural expressions, and social dynamics within the African American community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration saw over six million African Americans relocate from the South to cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia.
2. Economic factors played a crucial role in the Great Migration as African Americans sought jobs in industrial cities due to labor shortages created by World War I.
3. The migration led to the establishment of vibrant cultural hubs in northern cities, which fostered the development of blues, jazz, and later R&B music.
4. As African Americans settled in urban areas, they became significant contributors to cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance and influenced mainstream music.
5. The Great Migration also resulted in increased racial tensions in northern cities as white residents reacted to the influx of African Americans seeking housing and jobs.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of blues music in urban centers?
  • The Great Migration facilitated the movement of Southern blues musicians to Northern urban areas where they found new audiences and opportunities. As these artists settled in cities like Chicago, they adapted their styles to fit the urban landscape and blended elements of folk traditions with jazz influences. This interaction not only enriched the blues genre but also laid the groundwork for future musical innovations within the African American community.
• In what ways did the Great Migration impact the Harlem Renaissance and its cultural outputs?
  • The Great Migration played a pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance by increasing the African American population in Harlem and other northern cities, fostering a vibrant cultural scene. The influx of artists, writers, and musicians contributed to a rich tapestry of expression that celebrated black identity and creativity. This movement not only influenced literature and visual arts but also gave rise to new music genres that highlighted the experiences and aspirations of African Americans during this time.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Migration on American music genres such as jazz and R&B.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Migration on American music are profound, as it led to a significant blending of regional styles that birthed new genres like jazz and R&B. As musicians migrated northward, they incorporated elements from different musical traditions, creating a fusion that appealed to wider audiences. This evolution reshaped popular music in America and paved the way for future artists across various genres, ultimately changing the landscape of American culture as a whole.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American literature, art, and music.

Jazz Age:

A period in the 1920s when jazz music and dance became wildly popular in the United States, symbolizing the cultural shift towards modernity and freedom following World War I.

Racial Discrimination: The unjust treatment of individuals based on their race or ethnicity, which was a driving factor for many African Americans to leave the South during the Great Migration.