1910s

Definition

The 1910s was a transformative decade in American history marked by significant social, political, and economic changes. This period witnessed the rise of prominent figures and movements advocating for African American rights, notably the emergence of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), which aimed to unify and uplift people of African descent globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1910s saw the formation of the UNIA in 1914, which quickly became one of the largest black organizations in American history, boasting millions of members.
2. During this decade, Garvey's philosophy emphasized economic independence through businesses owned by African Americans to empower their communities.
3. The 1910s were characterized by the Great Migration, where large numbers of African Americans moved from rural Southern areas to urban centers in the North, seeking better opportunities and escaping Jim Crow laws.
4. Garvey's 'Back to Africa' movement gained popularity during this time, encouraging African Americans to return to their ancestral homeland as a means to reclaim their identity.
5. The decade also saw increased racial tensions, including violent race riots and lynchings, which highlighted the urgent need for civil rights advocacy and reform.

Review Questions

• How did Marcus Garvey's vision for African Americans influence social movements during the 1910s?
  • Marcus Garvey's vision promoted black nationalism and self-reliance, urging African Americans to take pride in their heritage and work towards economic independence. His formation of the UNIA provided a platform for advocacy and community organization that inspired other civil rights movements. The ideas he spread during the 1910s laid foundational concepts that would later influence prominent figures in the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.
• What role did the Great Migration play in shaping African American communities in urban areas during the 1910s?
  • The Great Migration significantly altered African American demographics as millions moved to northern cities seeking better jobs and living conditions. This migration created vibrant urban black communities that became cultural hubs, showcasing talent and activism. The influx into cities also heightened racial tensions as competition for jobs and housing intensified, leading to clashes that underscored the need for organized advocacy like that of Garvey's UNIA.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Marcus Garvey's UNIA on subsequent civil rights movements beyond the 1910s.
  • The UNIA's emphasis on black pride and economic empowerment set a precedent for future civil rights movements, influencing organizations like the NAACP and later leaders like Malcolm X. Garvey's ideas about racial unity and self-determination resonated through subsequent decades, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. His vision also contributed to a broader understanding of global black identity, inspiring activists across Africa and the diaspora to fight against colonialism and racism.

Related terms

Marcus Garvey: A Jamaican political leader and activist who founded the UNIA, promoting black nationalism and advocating for the return of African Americans to Africa.

Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA): An organization founded by Marcus Garvey in 1914, aimed at promoting black pride, economic self-sufficiency, and the establishment of an independent nation in Africa for African Americans.

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American cultural expressions and was influenced by the ideas propagated by leaders like Garvey in the previous decade.