The Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West between the 1910s and 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 better quality of life. The impact of this migration was significant, shaping urban demographics, influencing culture, and leading to profound changes in African American religious expression and music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration significantly increased the population of African Americans in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, transforming them into cultural hubs.
2. During this period, African American religious music evolved as migrants brought their spiritual traditions with them, leading to the fusion of gospel with blues and jazz.
3. The migration played a crucial role in the civil rights movement as it enabled a more concentrated population of African Americans to organize for social change.
4. Many migrants sought employment in industries such as manufacturing and meatpacking, leading to increased economic independence within the African American community.
5. The Great Migration influenced popular culture by introducing new musical styles, such as rhythm and blues, which laid the groundwork for modern popular music.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence urban demographics in Northern cities?
  • The Great Migration drastically transformed urban demographics by increasing the African American population in Northern cities. This influx led to diverse cultural expressions as migrants brought their traditions with them. Consequently, neighborhoods became culturally rich spaces where new forms of artistic and musical expression emerged, profoundly affecting the social landscape of these cities.
• Discuss the impact of the Great Migration on African American religious music and its evolution during this time.
  • The Great Migration had a significant impact on African American religious music as it led to a blending of musical styles. Migrants from the South brought traditional spirituals and gospel music to urban centers, where they mixed with blues and jazz influences. This fusion not only enriched the religious musical landscape but also contributed to the development of rhythm and blues, which would go on to influence popular music across America.
• Evaluate the broader social implications of the Great Migration on American society as a whole during the 20th century.
  • The Great Migration fundamentally reshaped American society by altering demographics, cultural expressions, and political dynamics. As African Americans moved North seeking better opportunities and escaping oppression, they began to form tight-knit communities that fostered activism. This led to greater visibility for civil rights issues and laid the groundwork for future movements. The cultural contributions from this migration period enriched American art forms, influencing music, literature, and social norms that reflect a diverse society.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s centered in Harlem, New York, celebrating African American cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States enforcing racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

Gospel Music: A genre of Christian music that originated in African American churches, characterized by its emotive style and incorporation of spiritual themes.