Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of over six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North, Midwest, and West between approximately 1916 and 1970. This migration was driven by various factors including the search for better economic opportunities, escaping oppressive Jim Crow laws, and the desire for improved living conditions. As African Americans relocated, they significantly influenced urban culture and architecture, reflecting their experiences and aspirations in their new environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration was largely prompted by economic opportunities during and after World War I, when labor shortages in Northern factories created demand for workers.
2. African Americans sought to escape the systemic racism and violence prevalent in the South, including lynching and disenfranchisement.
3. The migration led to significant demographic changes in major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where African American populations grew rapidly.
4. This movement not only transformed urban communities but also influenced architectural styles as new neighborhoods were built to accommodate incoming migrants.
5. The Great Migration laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements by fostering a sense of community and activism among African Americans in urban centers.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence cultural expressions such as music and art in urban areas?
  • The Great Migration brought a wave of African American cultural influence to urban centers, most notably during the Harlem Renaissance. Migrants contributed to a flourishing of artistic expression, including jazz, blues, literature, and visual arts that reflected their experiences. This vibrant cultural scene became a cornerstone of American identity and showcased the resilience and creativity of African Americans amid adversity.
• In what ways did the Great Migration contribute to the architectural landscape of cities like Chicago and Detroit?
  • The influx of African Americans during the Great Migration led to the development of distinct neighborhoods that reflected their cultural heritage and needs. In cities like Chicago and Detroit, new housing types emerged, including shotgun houses and apartment buildings designed for communal living. These developments not only provided shelter but also facilitated community building, showcasing the architectural response to the socio-economic conditions faced by migrants.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Migration on American society and its architectural landscape, considering both positive and negative aspects.
  • The Great Migration had profound long-term impacts on American society, reshaping demographics, culture, and urban landscapes. Positively, it led to greater visibility of African American culture and contributions within mainstream society. Architecturally, it prompted new designs that catered to diverse populations. However, it also resulted in challenges such as urban overcrowding and racial segregation policies that impacted city planning. The legacy of this migration is evident today in ongoing discussions about race, community identity, and urban development.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s centered in Harlem, New York City, celebrating African American art, literature, and music.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans.

Urbanization: The process by which rural populations move to urban areas, leading to the growth of cities and changes in social and cultural dynamics.