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 during the early to mid-20th century, primarily between 1916 and 1970. This significant demographic shift was driven by the search for better economic opportunities, escaping Jim Crow laws, and a desire for greater social and political freedoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is often divided into two waves: the first wave from 1916 to 1940, and the second wave from 1941 to 1970.
2. During this period, it is estimated that around six million African Americans relocated from the South to cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia.
3. The migration led to significant changes in demographics within Northern cities, contributing to their cultural diversity and altering social dynamics.
4. Economic factors included the need for industrial labor during World War I and World War II, which created job opportunities in Northern factories.
5. The Great Migration had a lasting impact on American culture, influencing music genres like jazz and blues, as well as contributing to civil rights movements that emerged later in the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did economic opportunities influence the Great Migration and affect both the migrants and the regions they moved to?
  • Economic opportunities were a primary driving force behind the Great Migration. African Americans sought jobs in Northern factories that were booming due to World War I and later World War II. This influx of migrants not only transformed the workforce in these urban areas but also led to shifts in demographics and economic structures. As African Americans established communities in cities like Chicago and Detroit, they contributed significantly to the economy while also facing challenges such as discrimination and competition for housing.
• In what ways did the Great Migration contribute to cultural developments in urban areas during the early 20th century?
  • The Great Migration played a crucial role in fostering cultural developments in urban areas. As African Americans settled in cities, they brought with them their traditions, music, art, and culinary practices. This cultural infusion was particularly notable during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s when black artists and intellectuals gained recognition. The migration helped create vibrant cultural hubs where African American culture thrived and influenced mainstream American culture through jazz, literature, and visual arts.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Great Migration on American society, particularly concerning civil rights movements and demographic shifts.
  • The Great Migration had profound long-term implications for American society. It not only reshaped the demographics of urban areas but also laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements. As African Americans became more politically active in their new environments, they began to challenge racial injustices more effectively. The migration helped create a more organized push for civil rights that culminated in significant legal reforms during the 1950s and 1960s. The resulting multiculturalism has continued to influence social dynamics and policy discussions throughout America.

Related terms

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

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s that celebrated African American culture and provided a platform for black artists, writers, and musicians.

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