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, driven by the search for better economic opportunities and an escape from racial segregation and violence. This migration significantly altered the social, cultural, and political landscape of America, influencing movements such as the Harlem Renaissance and laying groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration involved approximately six million African Americans moving from the South to northern and western cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York City.
2. Factors driving this migration included economic opportunities during World War I and World War II, as well as the oppressive conditions of Jim Crow laws in the South.
3. The movement led to significant demographic changes in cities, creating vibrant African American communities and contributing to cultural movements like jazz and blues.
4. The Great Migration also had political implications, as migrating populations began to influence voting patterns and civil rights activism in their new urban environments.
5. It laid a foundation for later civil rights activism by increasing awareness of racial injustices and mobilizing communities around issues of equality.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of the Harlem Renaissance?
  • The Great Migration played a crucial role in fostering the Harlem Renaissance by bringing a large number of African Americans to urban centers where cultural exchange thrived. As people moved northward, they settled in neighborhoods like Harlem, which became a cultural hub for black artists, writers, and musicians. The influx of talent and ideas led to a flourishing of African American culture that celebrated black identity while addressing social issues.
• Discuss how Jim Crow laws impacted the motivations behind the Great Migration.
  • Jim Crow laws created a hostile environment for African Americans in the South, enforcing racial segregation and denying basic civil rights. This oppressive legal framework was a primary motivation behind the Great Migration as many sought to escape systemic racism and violence. The promise of better job opportunities and living conditions in northern cities provided a compelling incentive for those looking to improve their lives away from such restrictions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Migration on American society and its contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
  • The Great Migration had profound long-term effects on American society by reshaping demographic patterns and contributing to urbanization. As African Americans formed new communities in northern cities, they began to organize politically and socially. This increased visibility of black experiences laid essential groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, as migrants became more aware of their rights and more organized in their demands for equality. The cultural contributions from this period also galvanized collective action that ultimately influenced legislation aimed at ending segregation.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, showcasing African American talent in literature, music, and art.

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.

Civil Rights Movement:

A decades-long struggle for social justice that aimed to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights for African Americans, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s.