Great Migration
Definition
The Great Migration refers to a period from about 1916-1970 when six million African Americans moved out of rural Southern United States to urban Northeast, Midwest, and West regions. This movement significantly reshaped America’s demographic patterns.
Analogy
Imagine if all your classmates suddenly decided they didn't like your school anymore because they were being treated unfairly. So they packed up their bags and moved over to other schools where there were better opportunities for them. That's kind of what happened during The Great Migration - millions of African Americans left their homes in search for better lives elsewhere.
Related terms
Jim Crow Laws: State-level legal codes enacted after Reconstruction ended which enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States.
Harlem Renaissance: A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York spanning the 1920s. It was considered a rebirth of African American arts and had significant ties to The Great Migration.
Industrialization: The process by which an economy is transformed from primarily agricultural to one based on the manufacturing of goods.
"Great Migration" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (10)
What was the main cause of the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities in the 1920s?
The Great Migration during the early 20th century mainly involved which demographic?
How did the Great Migration impact urban areas in the North during early twentieth century?
Which factor significantly contributed to the Great Migration during the 1920s?
Which legislation caused the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities in the 1920s?
What was one key factor contributing to the Great Migration during this period?
What was a direct result of the Great Migration during World War I?
Which factor significantly contributed to the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to Northern U.S. cities during World War I?
Which historical event triggered the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to Northern cities during and after World War I?
What is a major legacy of the Great Migration of African Americans from South to North during World War I and II?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.