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 and West during the early to mid-20th century, primarily between 1916 and 1970. This migration was driven by a search for better economic opportunities, escaping oppressive conditions in the South, and a desire for social and political rights. The cultural impact of this movement played a crucial role in shaping the development of jazz, particularly New Orleans jazz, as it facilitated the spread of African American musical traditions beyond their regional origins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration was divided into two waves: the first wave occurred from 1916 to 1940, while the second wave took place from 1941 to 1970.
2. Approximately six million African Americans relocated during this period, significantly changing the demographics of cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
3. The migration led to the flourishing of African American cultural expressions, including literature, visual arts, and especially music, creating vibrant communities that nurtured jazz's evolution.
4. New Orleans jazz emerged as one of the earliest forms of jazz music, influenced by the rhythms and sounds brought by migrants from Southern states who settled in Northern cities.
5. The Great Migration had lasting effects on American society, including changes in racial dynamics, increased urbanization, and contributions to social movements advocating for civil rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of jazz music in urban centers?
  • The Great Migration played a pivotal role in shaping jazz music as many African Americans moved from rural areas in the South to urban centers in the North. This migration allowed for a blending of musical styles and traditions, as musicians brought their Southern roots with them. As these artists settled in cities like Chicago and New York, they created new jazz forms that incorporated elements from blues and ragtime, leading to the evolution of jazz into a nationally recognized genre.
• Discuss the socio-economic factors that prompted African Americans to participate in the Great Migration and how these factors impacted New Orleans jazz.
  • Economic opportunities were a major driving force behind the Great Migration as African Americans sought jobs in industries that were booming in Northern cities. Many left behind oppressive conditions of sharecropping and discrimination in the South. This influx of talent into urban areas contributed to a richer cultural landscape for jazz, with New Orleans jazz influencing Northern musicians who incorporated its elements into their own styles, thus helping to popularize jazz across America.
• Evaluate the long-term cultural impacts of the Great Migration on American music genres beyond just jazz.
  • The long-term cultural impacts of the Great Migration extended well beyond jazz by enriching various music genres such as blues, rhythm and blues, and rock 'n' roll. As African American musicians migrated North, they brought their unique musical heritage with them, leading to new fusions that reflected both Southern traditions and urban experiences. This cross-pollination resulted in innovative sounds that transformed American popular music and laid foundational elements for various modern genres. The cultural exchange also fostered greater appreciation and recognition of African American artists within mainstream music industries.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, celebrating African American culture and contributing to the emergence of jazz as a prominent musical genre.

Jazz Age: A period in the 1920s marked by the popularity of jazz music, which became a defining characteristic of American culture during this time, influenced heavily by the Great Migration.

Blues: A music genre that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South, characterized by its emotional depth and roots in African musical traditions, serving as a precursor to jazz.