Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of over six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This significant demographic shift was driven by various factors, including the search for better economic opportunities, escaping racial discrimination, and the desire for improved living conditions. The impact of this migration not only transformed the communities that received these migrants but also played a crucial role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is typically divided into two waves: the first wave occurred from 1916 to 1940, and the second wave from 1941 to 1970.
2. Many migrants left behind agricultural jobs in the South due to declining cotton prices and an increase in mechanization, seeking better-paying factory jobs in Northern cities.
3. The migration led to the establishment of vibrant African American communities in cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia.
4. This movement significantly influenced the civil rights movement, as migrants brought their experiences of racial oppression and resilience to new urban environments.
5. The Great Migration had lasting effects on American culture, contributing to the development of jazz music, the spread of African American literature, and changes in political power dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the cultural landscape of urban America during its peak?
  • The Great Migration significantly shaped the cultural landscape of urban America as it brought a large population of African Americans into cities like Chicago and New York. This influx contributed to vibrant cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, where black artists, musicians, and writers flourished. The unique experiences and creativity of these migrants enriched American culture, leading to new forms of expression in music, literature, and visual arts that reflected their history and struggles.
• Discuss the economic factors that drove African Americans to migrate during the Great Migration period.
  • Economic factors played a crucial role in driving African Americans to migrate during the Great Migration. Many sought to escape poverty and limited job opportunities in the agricultural South, especially due to declining cotton prices and increased mechanization of farming. The promise of industrial jobs in Northern factories attracted many migrants who hoped for better wages and living conditions. As a result, this migration not only transformed their lives but also significantly impacted the economies of both Southern and Northern regions.
• Evaluate the long-term social and political consequences of the Great Migration on American society.
  • The Great Migration had profound long-term social and political consequences on American society. As African Americans settled in Northern cities, they began to organize politically, which laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism. Their presence shifted demographics, changing voting patterns and increasing political representation for black communities. Additionally, their collective experiences of racism shaped a unified identity that fueled movements advocating for social justice and equality throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s among African Americans in Harlem, New York, celebrating black culture through art, music, and literature.

Urbanization: The process by which cities grow as more people move from rural areas to urban centers, often leading to changes in social and economic structures.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the South after Reconstruction that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans.