Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. This migration was driven by a combination of factors, including the search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination and violence, and the desire for improved living conditions. As millions of African Americans relocated, they significantly influenced urban culture, particularly in areas like music and literature.

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 of African Americans leaving Southern states.
2. Key cities that saw significant increases in African American populations included Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia.
3. The migration was fueled by industrial jobs that became available in Northern factories during World War I and the Great Depression.
4. As African Americans settled in urban areas, they established vibrant communities that became hubs for cultural movements such as jazz music and literary movements.
5. The Great Migration had lasting impacts on American society, contributing to changes in demographics, social structures, and cultural expressions within cities.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of jazz music in urban centers?
  • The Great Migration significantly shaped jazz music as thousands of African Americans relocated to cities like New Orleans, Chicago, and New York. This movement brought diverse musical traditions and styles together, creating a melting pot that fostered innovation in jazz. The urban environment provided new venues for performance and an audience eager for fresh sounds, which led to the evolution of jazz as a prominent cultural force during this period.
• Analyze the role of the Great Migration in shaping the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on American culture.
  • The Great Migration played a crucial role in the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance by concentrating a large population of African Americans in urban areas like Harlem. This influx created a vibrant community where artistic expression flourished across various forms such as literature, music, and visual arts. The cultural achievements of this movement not only celebrated African American identity but also challenged prevailing racial stereotypes, influencing broader American culture and laying the groundwork for future civil rights movements.
• Evaluate the socio-economic consequences of the Great Migration on both Northern cities and Southern regions from which people moved.
  • The Great Migration resulted in significant socio-economic changes for both Northern cities and Southern regions. In Northern cities, an increase in population led to labor force expansion, contributing to industrial growth but also resulting in competition for jobs that sometimes heightened racial tensions. In contrast, many Southern towns faced labor shortages as agricultural workers left for better opportunities. The migration shifted economic dynamics, forcing Southern economies to adapt while simultaneously giving rise to new cultural identities in Northern urban centers.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American arts and culture.

Jazz Age: A period in the 1920s and early 1930s marked by the popularity of jazz music and dance, which was heavily influenced by the African American migration to urban centers.

Urbanization: The process by which large numbers of people move from rural areas to cities, often resulting in significant social, economic, and cultural changes.