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, primarily during the early to mid-20th century. This migration was driven by a combination of economic opportunities, social factors, and the desire to escape racial discrimination and violence, fundamentally reshaping demographics and cultural dynamics in American cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is often divided into two waves: the first wave occurred from 1916 to 1940, and the second wave took place from 1941 to 1970.
2. More than six million African Americans migrated out of the South during this period, with cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia becoming major destinations.
3. Economic opportunities in Northern factories during World War I and World War II were significant pull factors that attracted migrants seeking better jobs and living conditions.
4. The migration had profound effects on urban culture, politics, and social structures in Northern cities, leading to the rise of vibrant African American communities and cultural movements.
5. The Great Migration laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement by increasing political awareness and activism among African Americans in urban settings.

Review Questions

• How did Jim Crow laws influence the decision of African Americans to participate in the Great Migration?
  • Jim Crow laws created an oppressive environment for African Americans in the South, enforcing racial segregation and denying them basic rights. This systemic discrimination motivated many individuals to seek better lives elsewhere. The search for freedom from such oppressive conditions was a major driving force behind the Great Migration, as people sought not just economic opportunities but also a more equitable society.
• In what ways did urbanization change as a result of the Great Migration and what impact did this have on American cities?
  • Urbanization experienced significant changes due to the influx of African Americans during the Great Migration. Cities became more diverse and culturally rich as new populations settled in urban areas. This demographic shift led to new social dynamics, economic contributions, and cultural innovations that reshaped city life. Moreover, increased competition for housing and jobs sometimes resulted in racial tensions, highlighting both the positive impacts of migration and its challenges.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Great Migration on African American identity and community organization in urban areas.
  • The long-term consequences of the Great Migration were profound for African American identity and community organization. As migrants settled into urban neighborhoods, they established strong community networks that fostered cultural expression, social support systems, and political activism. The resulting cultural movements, such as the Harlem Renaissance, reflected a growing pride in African American heritage. Furthermore, this migration set the stage for greater political mobilization that would culminate in civil rights advocacy in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, significantly contributing to the push factor for many African Americans to leave the South.

Urbanization: The process by which cities grow as populations increase, often influenced by migration patterns, such as the Great Migration, which brought millions of people into urban centers.

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s among African American artists and intellectuals, significantly influenced by the Great Migration, as many relocated to urban areas like Harlem.