Second Great Migration

Definition

The Second Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West, primarily occurring from the 1940s to the 1970s. This migration was driven by a combination of factors including the search for better economic opportunities, escape from Jim Crow laws, and the desire for a more equitable social environment. It significantly shaped the demographic landscape of cities and influenced cultural, social, and political dynamics in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Migration saw over five million African Americans leave the South for northern and western cities, significantly altering demographics in places like Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles.
2. Unlike the first migration, which occurred during World War I and the Roaring Twenties, the Second Great Migration was also influenced by World War II as defense industries offered job opportunities.
3. Many migrants faced challenges such as discrimination, inadequate housing, and job competition upon arriving in their new urban environments.
4. The Second Great Migration contributed to the growth of vibrant African American cultural movements, including music genres like jazz and rhythm and blues that thrived in urban settings.
5. It played a crucial role in shaping civil rights movements as migrating populations became politically active and organized to combat racial injustices.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of African Americans during the Second Great Migration differ from those of earlier migrants in the first Great Migration?
  • The experiences during the Second Great Migration were shaped by different socio-economic contexts. While both migrations were driven by a desire for better opportunities and escape from oppressive laws, the second migration occurred during a time of heightened industrial demand due to World War II. This meant that many African Americans found jobs in defense industries but still faced systemic racism and competition for housing, which was less pronounced during the earlier migration when labor demands were not as intense.
• Discuss the impact of Jim Crow laws on African Americans' decision to participate in the Second Great Migration.
  • Jim Crow laws were a significant push factor for African Americans leaving the South during the Second Great Migration. These laws enforced racial segregation and disenfranchisement, making life extremely challenging for black individuals and families. The oppressive conditions fueled their desire to seek refuge in northern and western cities where they hoped to find more equitable treatment and access to better economic prospects. As these migrants moved northward, they aimed to escape not only physical constraints but also social injustices that permeated their lives in the South.
• Evaluate how the Second Great Migration influenced civil rights movements in urban centers across America.
  • The Second Great Migration had a profound influence on civil rights movements by increasing the population of politically active African Americans in urban centers. As migrants settled in cities like Chicago and Detroit, they formed community organizations that advocated for civil rights and challenged systemic racism. This growing urban population became instrumental in organizing protests, voter registration drives, and legal challenges against discriminatory practices. The interaction between these newly arrived migrants and established communities led to a more unified front against oppression, culminating in significant advancements in civil rights throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Related terms

Great Migration: The Great Migration refers to the earlier movement of African Americans from the South to northern cities between 1916 and 1970, primarily driven by similar factors as the Second Great Migration.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States, which contributed to the motivations behind both Great Migrations.

Urbanization: The process of increasing populations in urban areas, which was accelerated by migrations like the Second Great Migration, as many African Americans settled in cities seeking jobs and better living conditions.