The Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban centers in the North, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. This migration significantly impacted the cultural landscape of cities like New York, especially in the development of musical genres such as jazz and salsa, where the blending of various cultural influences occurred as new communities formed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration occurred in two main waves: the first from around 1916 to 1940 and the second from 1941 to 1970, with millions moving to northern cities like Chicago and New York.
2. African Americans sought better job opportunities and escape from Jim Crow laws, racial violence, and economic hardship prevalent in the South.
3. As people settled in urban areas, they established vibrant communities that led to cultural innovations, including new forms of music and artistic expression.
4. New York City became a hub for this migration, where various cultural influences converged, particularly impacting the development of salsa music.
5. The influx of migrants contributed to the evolution of musical genres, fostering collaborations among artists and leading to a rich exchange of styles that shaped American music.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of musical genres in urban centers like New York?
  • The Great Migration brought a significant number of African Americans to urban centers like New York, creating a melting pot of cultural influences. This demographic shift fostered an environment ripe for musical innovation, where jazz, blues, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms blended together. The resulting fusion gave rise to new genres like salsa, which incorporated elements from various cultures and reflected the diverse experiences of its creators.
• In what ways did the Harlem Renaissance reflect the cultural changes initiated by the Great Migration?
  • The Harlem Renaissance was a direct outcome of the Great Migration, showcasing how African American artists, writers, and musicians used their experiences in Northern cities to express their identity and culture. This period highlighted a flourishing of creativity that was influenced by the newly formed communities in Harlem. As migrants shared their Southern roots while embracing Northern urban life, they created a dynamic cultural movement that resonated throughout America and beyond.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Great Migration on the evolution of salsa music and its connection to other musical genres.
  • The Great Migration had a profound long-term impact on salsa music by facilitating a blend of diverse musical influences stemming from different regions and cultures. As African Americans moved North and interacted with Puerto Rican and Cuban communities, they combined jazz with Latin rhythms and other styles. This fusion not only shaped salsa as we know it today but also helped redefine American music as a whole, illustrating how migration can lead to significant cultural transformations that persist through generations.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American arts, literature, and music, largely centered in Harlem, New York, and influenced by the Great Migration.

Jazz: A genre of music that originated in African American communities in New Orleans and became widely popular in the early 20th century, greatly influencing salsa's development.

Salsa:

A lively dance music genre that originated in the Cuban and Puerto Rican communities of New York City, shaped by various musical influences including jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.