Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North and West during the early to mid-20th century, particularly from 1916 to 1970. This demographic shift was driven by factors such as the search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination, and the desire for improved living conditions. The Great Migration significantly influenced the political landscape, contributing to the realignment of party affiliations among African Americans as they sought representation in more favorable political environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is estimated to have involved around six million African Americans moving from the South to Northern and Western cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
2. This migration altered the demographic makeup of many urban areas, leading to significant cultural contributions such as the Harlem Renaissance.
3. The Great Migration was partly fueled by the availability of jobs in wartime industries during World War I and II, as labor shortages in factories created opportunities for African Americans.
4. As African Americans moved North, they began to shift their political allegiance from the Republican Party, which had historically been associated with Lincoln and emancipation, towards the Democratic Party.
5. The effects of the Great Migration are still felt today, influencing urban policy, civil rights discussions, and the ongoing struggles for racial equality in America.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence party realignment among African Americans in the United States?
  • The Great Migration led to a significant shift in political alignment among African Americans as they moved from rural Southern areas to urban Northern cities. This transition prompted many to leave behind their traditional loyalty to the Republican Party in favor of the Democratic Party, which began addressing issues pertinent to African American communities. This change was particularly evident during the New Deal era when Democrats actively sought support from African American voters.
• Discuss the social and economic factors that contributed to the Great Migration and its impact on urban centers.
  • The Great Migration was driven by a combination of social and economic factors, including widespread poverty, limited job opportunities, and pervasive racial discrimination in the South. Many African Americans sought better economic prospects in Northern cities, where wartime industries were creating jobs. This influx of people into urban centers not only transformed local economies but also resulted in vibrant cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance that reshaped American art and literature.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Migration on American society and politics beyond its immediate consequences.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Migration are profound and complex, shaping both American society and politics for generations. The migration facilitated a demographic shift that led to increased political representation for African Americans in urban areas as they organized and advocated for civil rights. Additionally, it laid the groundwork for future movements seeking racial equality by establishing communities that became centers of political activism. The legacy of this migration continues to influence discussions about race relations, social justice, and urban policy in contemporary America.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, which included measures aimed at improving economic conditions for all Americans, including African Americans.

Civil Rights Movement: A pivotal movement in the 1950s and 1960s that sought to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights for African Americans, heavily influenced by the demographic changes brought about by the Great Migration.

Urbanization: The process by which rural populations move to urban areas, leading to the growth and development of cities, a phenomenon that was accelerated by the Great Migration.