The Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This migration was driven by factors such as the search for better economic opportunities, escaping Jim Crow laws, and the desire for a more equitable society. It had significant impacts on demographics, culture, and social dynamics in American cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration occurred in two major waves: the first wave from 1916 to 1940 and the second wave from 1941 to 1970.
2. Many migrants moved to cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia, significantly changing the demographics of these urban areas.
3. During World War I, job vacancies in Northern factories due to wartime production drew many African Americans seeking employment opportunities.
4. The Great Migration played a critical role in shaping African American culture and identity, leading to the emergence of influential movements like the Harlem Renaissance.
5. The migration also led to increased racial tensions in Northern cities as communities struggled to integrate and respond to the influx of new residents.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration impact the cultural landscape of American cities during the early 20th century?
  • The Great Migration significantly transformed the cultural landscape of American cities by introducing a vibrant mix of African American culture, arts, and traditions. As migrants settled in urban areas, they brought with them diverse cultural practices that influenced music, literature, and social life. This period saw the rise of notable cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American identity and creativity through art, literature, and music.
• Analyze how economic factors contributed to the Great Migration and its subsequent effects on Northern urban centers.
  • Economic factors such as job availability in Northern factories during World War I were major drivers of the Great Migration. The demand for labor in industrial cities created a strong pull for African Americans seeking better wages and living conditions. As a result, Northern urban centers experienced a demographic shift that not only changed the workforce but also altered local economies, housing markets, and community structures, leading to both opportunities and challenges for newly arrived migrants.
• Evaluate the long-term social implications of the Great Migration on race relations in America throughout the 20th century.
  • The long-term social implications of the Great Migration on race relations in America included both progress and persistent challenges. While it enabled African Americans to escape oppressive conditions in the South and seek greater equality in Northern cities, it also led to intensified racial tensions as established communities reacted to demographic changes. These tensions often manifested in violence and discrimination but also laid the groundwork for civil rights activism as migrants fought for social justice and political representation in their new environments.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York during the 1920s, celebrated African American culture and identity.

Urbanization:

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often associated with industrialization and economic growth.