Great Migration (African American) Quiz
South to North/West movement, causes & impacts (10 questions).
Great Migration (African American) Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Great Migration was a pivotal movement in American history, seeing millions of African Americans relocate from the rural Southern United States to urban centers in the North, Midwest, and West between the 1910s and 1970s. This mass exodus profoundly reshaped the nation’s demographics, economy, politics, and culture.
Key Takeaways
- Millions of African Americans relocated from the rural South to urban centers across the North, Midwest, and West.
- Key push factors included racial segregation, violence, and economic hardship under Jim Crow laws.
- Key pull factors were industrial job opportunities and a perceived chance for a better life.
- The migration spanned from approximately 1910 to 1970, occurring in two main waves.
- It fueled significant cultural movements, most notably the Harlem Renaissance.
- African Americans gained increased political influence in northern cities.
- Despite hopes for freedom, migrants often faced new forms of discrimination, including de facto segregation and housing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Great Migration?
The Great Migration was the mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and West between 1916 and 1970.
When did the Great Migration happen?
The Great Migration is generally considered to have occurred in two main phases: the First Great Migration (1910s-1940s) and the Second Great Migration (1940s-1970s).
What were the main reasons African Americans moved during the Great Migration?
African Americans were “pushed” by widespread racial discrimination, Jim Crow laws, racial violence, and economic oppression in the South. They were “pulled” by the promise of industrial jobs, higher wages, and better educational/social opportunities in Northern and Western cities.
Which cities were major destinations for migrants?
Major destination cities included New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Oakland, among others.
What were the long-term impacts of the Great Migration?
Long-term impacts include the profound reshaping of American demographics, the growth of African American urban communities, the flourishing of Black culture (like the Harlem Renaissance), increased political influence for African Americans, and laying groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.
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