The Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban centers in the North and West between approximately 1916 and 1970. This significant demographic shift played a crucial role in reshaping American culture, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance, as it brought new energy, creativity, and perspectives to urban life and the arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is estimated to have involved over six million African Americans leaving the South for northern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
2. This movement was driven by a combination of factors including escaping oppressive Jim Crow laws, seeking better economic opportunities, and the promise of jobs in industrial cities during World War I.
3. The influx of African Americans into northern cities contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of these areas, as seen in the rise of jazz and blues music alongside visual arts.
4. The Great Migration resulted in the establishment of vibrant African American communities, which became centers for artistic expression and political activism.
5. The migration also led to tensions in urban areas due to competition for jobs and housing, influencing race relations and leading to events such as the race riots of 1919.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Migration influence the development of African American arts during the Harlem Renaissance?
  • The Great Migration brought a large number of African Americans to urban centers where they had greater opportunities for artistic expression. As individuals relocated from the South to cities like Harlem, they formed a rich cultural community that fostered creativity in literature, music, and visual arts. This environment gave rise to influential figures such as Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington, who were central to the Harlem Renaissance's celebration of Black culture.
• Evaluate the impact of urbanization on African American communities during and after the Great Migration.
  • Urbanization during the Great Migration led to significant changes in African American communities as they transitioned from rural life to city living. This shift not only created opportunities for employment but also enabled cultural exchange and social interaction among diverse populations. However, it also resulted in challenges such as overcrowding, competition for jobs, and racial tensions in urban areas. These factors shaped both community dynamics and artistic production during this era.
• Assess how the Great Migration transformed social and political movements within African American communities post-World War I.
  • The Great Migration had profound effects on social and political movements within African American communities after World War I. As millions settled in urban areas, they became increasingly involved in civil rights activism and labor organizations. This new demographic reality highlighted issues like racial discrimination and economic inequality, leading to stronger advocacy for civil rights. The migration not only empowered individuals but also laid the groundwork for future movements aimed at achieving racial equality and justice across America.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American art, literature, and music.

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas grow and develop into urban centers, often leading to social, economic, and cultural changes.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the late 19th century until the Civil Rights Movement.