The great migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of over six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This migration was driven by various factors, including the search for better economic opportunities, escaping Jim Crow laws, and the desire for a better quality of life. Its impact extended into cultural realms, notably shaping music, literature, and civil rights movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration significantly increased the African American population in northern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, fundamentally altering their demographics.
2. Many migrants sought industrial jobs that were available due to labor shortages during World War I, leading to new economic opportunities.
3. The migration also influenced cultural expressions like jazz and blues, which found new audiences in urban settings and contributed to the Harlem Renaissance.
4. As African Americans settled in urban areas, they faced new challenges such as housing discrimination, racial violence, and limited job opportunities despite their migration hopes.
5. The Great Migration laid the groundwork for later civil rights activism by establishing vibrant communities that became centers for organizing against racial injustice.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration impact African American culture and communities in northern cities?
  • The Great Migration led to a significant growth in African American communities in northern cities, fostering a vibrant cultural scene. As migrants brought their traditions and experiences with them, they contributed to the development of genres like jazz and blues. This cultural exchange not only transformed urban life but also set the stage for movements like the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American identity and artistic expression.
• Discuss how economic opportunities during the Great Migration affected the socio-political landscape of northern cities.
  • Economic opportunities created during the Great Migration drew many African Americans to northern cities where they sought jobs in factories and industries. However, despite finding work, they often encountered systemic racism and discrimination. This struggle for economic stability led to increased political activism within these communities as they began to organize against injustices such as housing segregation and labor exploitation, ultimately shaping the socio-political landscape of these urban areas.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Migration on the civil rights movement in America.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Migration were profound in shaping the civil rights movement. As African Americans established themselves in urban environments, they developed strong community networks that facilitated organizing efforts against racial inequality. The migration not only led to a demographic shift but also fostered a sense of solidarity and shared purpose among African Americans, which was crucial for civil rights activism in the mid-20th century. This period of migration is often seen as a catalyst for social change that would continue to evolve throughout the civil rights movement.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: State and local statutes that legalized racial segregation in the Southern United States, disenfranchising African Americans and enforcing a system of inequality.

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s that celebrated African American culture and contributions.

NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization formed to combat racial discrimination and promote civil rights for African Americans.