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, particularly from 1916 to 1970. This migration was largely driven by the search for better economic opportunities, escaping racial segregation, and seeking improved living conditions. It significantly transformed urban demographics and contributed to the cultural, social, and political landscape of the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approximately six million African Americans moved north during the Great Migration, significantly changing the demographics of both rural Southern areas and urban Northern cities.
2. Many migrants sought jobs in industries like manufacturing and railroad work, which were booming due to World War I and II demands.
3. The Great Migration contributed to the rise of vibrant African American communities in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia.
4. This migration also led to significant cultural developments, including the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American culture through art and literature.
5. The Great Migration had lasting impacts on American society, influencing civil rights movements and shaping political representation for African Americans in urban areas.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence urban demographics in Northern cities?
  • The Great Migration dramatically changed urban demographics by increasing the African American population in Northern cities. As millions moved from the rural South to industrial urban areas, cities like Chicago and Detroit saw a significant influx of African Americans seeking better job opportunities and escaping oppressive conditions. This shift not only diversified these cities but also led to new cultural developments and established vibrant communities that shaped their identities.
• Evaluate the role of Jim Crow Laws in prompting the Great Migration.
  • Jim Crow Laws played a critical role in motivating African Americans to leave the South during the Great Migration. These laws enforced strict racial segregation and denied basic civil rights, leading many to seek refuge in Northern cities where they hoped for better economic prospects and greater freedoms. The oppressive environment fostered by these laws created a push factor that drove many to abandon their homes for a chance at a better life.
• Analyze the long-term cultural impacts of the Great Migration on American society.
  • The Great Migration had profound long-term cultural impacts on American society by fostering a rich tapestry of African American culture that influenced music, art, literature, and politics. As migrants settled in urban areas, they contributed to movements like the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated black identity and creativity. This cultural flourishing not only shaped local communities but also influenced broader American culture, paving the way for future civil rights advancements and changing perceptions of African Americans in mainstream society.

Related terms

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas develop into urban centers, leading to population growth in cities as people migrate for jobs and better living conditions.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

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 art, literature, music, and intellectual thought.