Impact of Great Migration on African American Economy: Analytical Essay

Although the period around World War I and the early 1920s was an era of economic growth due to industrializing, the strong economy did not heal race divisions. As a matter of fact, in some areas, racial conflict was exacerbated as a result of the improving economy such as during the Tulsa Race Riots, where whites were jealous of the prosperity of African Americans. In other areas, due to African American migration, racial tensions increased as a result of cultural clashes. Economic jealousy, African American migrant conflicts, and cultural differences all contributed to bad race relations at this time.

World War I disordered the flow of immigrants into the United States when the demand for industrial goods heightened. In 1914, 1.2 million immigrants entered the country, and 111,000 arrived in 1917. Recruiters soon turned to white and black Southerners to fill the vacancies. During the Great Migration, more than 500,000 African Americans migrated from southern rural areas to the North urban areas, attracted by higher-paying industrial jobs. Many migrants felt blissful of the different atmosphere in the North because, in the South, African Americans had continuously feared the consequences of an unintentional infringement of Southern racial norms. African Americans realized that they no longer had to feel afraid of accidentally rubbing elbows with a white person on the street or sit down next to one on a bench. However, despite the lack of apparent segregation, racial inequality existed in the North. The Great Migration of Southern African Americans northward also revealed the regional and class tensions within the black community. Northern middle-class African Americas tried to help Southern migrants adapt to the urban lifestyle, so they passed out cards to migrants as they came out of trains, advocating them to find help. They worried the migrants’ rural habits might harm the reputation of the Northern black community, so on the other side of the card, migrants found a list of etiquettes advising migrants to control their tongue, be well-behaved, follow the law, keep their houses clean, join a church, and send their children to school. The Northerners also feared that racial rioting might occur due to the arrival of African American laborers from the South. The abrupt combination of insufficient residential spaces, economic competition, and racial hostility caused racial riots in Northern cities during the war. Tulsa’s economy was booming due to the discovery of large amounts of oil in the surrounding area. African American businesses prospered, however, a sexual assault incident occurred which sparked the Tulsa Race Riot in which armed White mobs invaded African American homes in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921. 6,000 African Americans were arrested in the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Riot. Lynching also occurred, however civil rights organizations such as NAACP “organized a silent march to protest lynchings” (NAACP Article) to lobby for anti-lynching laws and increase public awareness.

African Americans in World War I fought valiantly for America and their freedom. However, they were still treated with racial hostility. An example is the history of the Hellfighters, a highly renowned African American regiment in World War I. “Even before combat, the regiment faced unjust challenges from fellow Americans.” (Harlem Hellfighters Article) They trained for war in a Jim Crow area of South Carolina, confronted by racism and unusual military discipline.

The Harlem Renaissance was influential in the recognition of African American culture in music, literature, and intellectuality. They expressed their feelings through music, poetry, and art. The Hellfighters’ story of their valor during World War I brought mixed results as the veterans returned to America. However, Noble Sissle carried the legacy of the Hellfighters as a singer and songwriter and released his 1921 musical, Shuffle Along, which “became one of the Harlem Renaissance’s major works.” (Harlem Hellfighters Article) The Harlem Renaissance built more confidence and pride in the African American community to be themselves. They felt stronger to speak up for their rights and culture to show individualism instead of completely being conformed.

The period around World War I and the early 1920s was a bad time for race relations in the United States because of the enviousness of prospering African American economy, the Great Migration, and cultural differences. Encouragement of African American entrepreneurship and the Great Migration influenced racial tensions such as the Tulsa Race Riot. Although, the Harlem Renaissance improved recognition in African American culture, cultural clashes where African Americans expressed their feelings through music, art, and literature also caused racial tensions.

Research Paper on Causes of Great Migration

The Great Migration, A.K.A Great Northward Migration, was the movement of six million African Americans out of the Southern United States to the Northeast, Midwest, and West between 1916 and 1970. The primary causes were the poor economic conditions as well as the mass racial segregation and discrimination. After the Civil War and Reconstruction, white supremacy prevaled across the South in the 1870s, and these segregationist Jim Crow policies soon became laws. Blacks in the south were forced to make their living working the lands due to the black codes and the sharecropping system, which offered them very little economic opportunity. Even after the Ku Klux Klan gradually slowed down murdering, lynching, and raping African Americans in the late 1890s, it still continued underground, spewing racist and discriminatory propaganda. Two ways in which African Americans experienced discrimination following the great migration were racially restrictive covenants and the preavalence of racist riots.

Following the move to the North, African Americans experienced discrimination is subtle, but serious ways. One of these ways were racially restrictive covenants. A racial restrictive covenant is an agreement by a group of property owners, or real estate operators in a given neighborhood, which does not allow them them to sell, lease or rent their property to specific groups of people based on their race, creed or color for a certain time period unless all agree on the transaction. Covenants became popular when in 1917, the U.S. Supreme Court determined city segregation covenants illegal. Due to the new ruling, racist property owners found loopholes that led them to create these private agreements. During Buchanan v. Warley, the court deemed that blatant segregation ordinances violated the 14th amendment, which led to segregationists turning to covenants to continue racism. About a decade later, the Supreme Court ruled that these new covenants were legal. (“Racial Restrictive Covenants History”). Racism was still prevalent during this time because of the fact that many people supported white supremacy and white nationalism. Rising rents in segregated areas, plus an increase of KKK activity after 1915, worsened black and white relations in northern states. This meant that a plethora of African Americans weren’t able to achieve the American dream. The National Housing act of 1934 played a major role in the resurgence of covenants. When it was passed during the Great Depression to secure affordable housing, the practice of ‘redlining’ increased. Redlining was when lines on city maps were drawn in order to highlight certain areas for bank investment and the sale of mortgages. Areas blocked off by these lines were considered bad investments and owners were discouraged from financing possible properties in these areas. This plan backfired as instead of securing banks their loans, racial segregation intensified (“Racial Restrictive Covenants History”). Modern day white nationalists such as Richard Spencer and David Duke would be good examples of the racists that prevailed in these areas of migration.

During the time period between 1910 and 1930, white supremacists were infuriated with witnessing African American advancements. In order to reassert dominance and control over black communities, white nationalist groups resorted to violence. Another way that African Americans experienced discrimination following the Great Migration were racist riots. The most serious was the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. On July 27th, 1919, a 17-year-old African American boy named Eugene Williams was swimming with his friends in Lake Michigan.When he accidentally crossed the barrier between Chicago’s unofficial black and white area, a group of white men started to throw stones at him, hitting him, resulting in him drowning. When the police arrived, they refused to arrest any member of the group of white men whom other black witnesses deemed responsible for Williams’ death. This caused angry mobs of people to crowd the beach. Quickly, fights between mobs of black and white civilians broke out. After the police couldn’t tame the riots, the state militia was eventually called on the fourth day. However, the fighting didn’t stop until August 3. Shootings and street fights left 15 whites and 23 blacks dead, along with at least 500 injured, 60% of whom were black. To add insult to injury, about 1,000 black families were left homeless after rioters burned down their residences. The aftermath resulted in the attempt to implement zoning laws where housing would be formally segregated. However, African Americans and white liberals voted against such policies. President Woodrow Wilson blamed whites as the instigators for the riots in Chicago and Washington D.C., and condemned white supremacist ideologies (The Red Summer of 1919). However, the Chicago riot wasn’t the only race-related riot. Other riots such as the East St. Louis and Lexington, Kentucky riot in 1917, the Ocoee, Florida riot in 1920, etc. were started in order to attempt to reassert white dominance, showing ways where African Americans experienced discrimination.

Role of The Great Migration in the Development of African-American Society: Analytical Essay

Introduction

The Great Migration, a defining chapter in American history, commenced in 1916 and continued until 1970. This era witnessed over six million African Americans relocating from the agrarian South to the industrialized North, a move that profoundly altered the demographic fabric of the United States. This exodus was fueled by a quest for better economic prospects and an escape from the restrictive Jim Crow laws prevalent in the South. These individuals, in seeking new horizons, not only transformed their own destinies but also significantly impacted the cultural, economic, and social dynamics of urban America.

Cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit experienced a substantial influx of African Americans. This migration catalyzed a cultural renaissance, particularly evident in the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American cultural expressions through art, music, and literature. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, marking a critical phase in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. The Great Migration’s legacy is embedded in various aspects of American life, influencing everything from jazz music and literature to political movements and urban policies. It remains a powerful symbol of the relentless pursuit of better opportunities and the enduring spirit of hope and resilience.

100 Words Essay on The Great Migration

The Great Migration, spanning from 1916 to 1970, was a transformative period in U.S. history, as over six million African Americans moved from the South to Northern cities, seeking better employment opportunities and an escape from the harsh segregation of Jim Crow laws. This monumental shift not only impacted culture, politics, and society but also fueled the Harlem Renaissance and propelled civil rights activism. It reshaped America’s racial and urban landscapes, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s ongoing journey toward equality and diversity. This era remains a powerful testament to resilience and the pursuit of a better life against formidable odds, symbolizing a major stride in the continuous struggle for racial justice in America.

250 Words Essay on The Great Migration

The Great Migration, a pivotal event in American history, spanned from 1916 to 1970. This mass exodus of over six million African Americans from the rural South to the urban North transformed the United States in profound ways. Driven by the desire for better employment opportunities and the need to escape the restrictive Jim Crow laws, these individuals embarked on a journey to redefine their lives and the nation’s cultural and social dynamics.

Northern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York became melting pots of African-American culture. This migration birthed the Harlem Renaissance, a golden era of African American art, music, and literature, enriching American culture. The influx of new residents also altered the urban landscape, leading to significant demographic shifts and economic growth in many cities.

Moreover, the Great Migration had profound political implications. It played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, as the migrants brought with them a determination to fight for equality and justice. Their experiences in the South, combined with the challenges they faced in the North, fueled a powerful push for civil rights, leading to landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This period is a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and the relentless pursuit of a better life. The Great Migration not only reshaped the African American community but also had a lasting impact on American society, playing a key role in shaping modern American identity. It reminds us of the power of collective action and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.

400 Words Essay on The Great Migration

The Great Migration, a massive demographic shift between 1916 and 1970, dramatically altered the landscape of American society. Over six million African Americans relocated from the agrarian South to the industrialized North, driven by the dual motivations of escaping the oppressive Jim Crow laws and seeking better economic opportunities. This exodus marked one of the most significant movements in the history of the United States, profoundly impacting culture, politics, and society.

The Migration’s roots lay in the South’s systemic racial oppression and limited economic prospects, particularly for African Americans. In contrast, the North promised industrial jobs, higher wages, and a more tolerant social environment. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York witnessed a significant influx of African Americans, transforming their demographic composition and cultural landscape. The Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, literature, and arts, emerged as a direct consequence of this movement, highlighting the community’s resilience and creativity.

Politically, the Great Migration reshaped the American political landscape. Migrants brought the determination to fight for civil rights, contributing significantly to the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Their collective experiences and struggles catalyzed major legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These marked critical steps in the long journey toward racial equality in the United States.

Moreover, the Great Migration had significant economic implications. The influx of labor transformed the industrial workforce in the North, leading to economic growth and development. Simultaneously, the South experienced a significant loss of its workforce, which contributed to changes in its agricultural and economic systems.

However, the migration also brought challenges. African Americans faced discrimination, racial violence, and economic exploitation in the North, similar to what they had hoped to escape in the South. These challenges led to the development of vibrant, though often segregated, African American communities in Northern cities. These communities became centers of cultural, social, and political activity, playing a pivotal role in shaping the African-American identity and experience in America.

The Great Migration remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. It not only reshaped the African-American community but also had a lasting impact on the social, cultural, and political fabric of the United States. This period serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice and the significant role of collective action in driving societal change.

500 Words Essay on The Great Migration

The Great Migration, a profound movement in American history, saw over six million African Americans relocate from the rural South to the industrial North between 1916 and 1970. This significant exodus was propelled by a desire for better economic opportunities and the need to escape the suffocating clutches of Jim Crow laws. This period stands as a monumental chapter in the story of the United States, reshaping the lives of those who moved and the entire nation’s cultural, political, and social fabric.

The roots of the Great Migration lay in the systemic racial oppression and limited economic opportunities in the South. In contrast, the North offered the allure of industrial jobs, higher wages, and a social environment less marred by segregation. This northward movement significantly altered the demographic composition of cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York. These urban centers became melting pots of African-American culture, leading to a flourishing of the arts, music, and literature, epitomized by the Harlem Renaissance. This cultural revival celebrated African-American identity and became a cornerstone of their community’s resilience and creativity.

The Migration’s political impact was equally significant. These new northern residents brought a resolute spirit to fight for civil rights, contributing substantially to the Civil Rights Movement. Their collective experiences and struggles underpinned major legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, marking significant strides toward racial equality in America.

Economically, the Great Migration transformed the workforce in the North. The influx of labor facilitated industrial growth and development, reshaping the economic landscape. However, this shift also led to the depletion of labor in the South, triggering changes in its agricultural and economic systems.

Despite promising better prospects, the migrants faced numerous challenges in the North. Discrimination, racial violence, and economic exploitation mirrored the adversities they hoped to leave behind. These challenges led to the emergence of strong, though often segregated, African-American communities in Northern cities.

The Great Migration’s legacy is multifaceted. It reshaped the African-American community and had a profound impact on the social, cultural, and political landscape of the United States. This era symbolizes courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better life, highlighting the critical role of collective action in driving societal change.

Furthermore, the Great Migration contributed to the urbanization of America and the development of a distinct African-American urban culture. The shared experiences of migration and adaptation forged a sense of solidarity and identity among African Americans, shaping their contributions to American society. From jazz music and blues to literature and politics, the influence of the Great Migration is indelibly etched into the American narrative.

In summary, the Great Migration was a movement of people and a transformative force in American history. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and determination in the face of adversity and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America. The legacy of the Great Migration continues to inspire and shape discussions on race, identity, and social justice in contemporary America.

Influence of Ku Klux Klan on the Great Migration: Analytical Essay

The strengthening of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, with 4 and a half million adepts, produced disastrous effects for the African American community. Hundreds of thousands of peasants poured into the metropolis. The Great Migration of blacks to northern industrial cities was therefore determined also by the desire to leave behind the South of Jim Crow Laws and escape a culture of lynching violence.

Between 1890 and 1920 about a million of African Americans left the lands of the deep South headed for the great industrial cities of the North. Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, New York became the favorite destinations of a people in search of better economic and social condition. Historian Nell Irvin Painter observes that “the Great Migration increased Detroit’s black population by 611 percent; Cleveland, 308 percent; Chicago, 114 percent; New York City, 66 percent; Newark, 62 percent, Indianapolis, 59 percent; Cincinnati, 54 percent; and Pittsburgh, 47 percent.”

The Great Migration of more than half a million African American during the World War I was therefore a crucial event in American history. The influx of African Americans into Harlem came about as a result of the Great Migration. Like many other immigrant groups, Blacks saw great opportunities and social mobility in Harlem. The white population left Harlem in order to move to more affordable housing built in other suburban neighborhoods, while Blacks started to rent the properties in Harlem; it is estimated that by 1914 about 50,000 Blacks lived here.

The massive arrival of African Americans from the south caused many upheavals in northern cities. The boundaries of entire areas and neighborhoods were redesigned by what the scholar and activist W.E.B Du Bois called “The Color Line” . Whites and blacks could cohabit only following the rigid rules of separation and urban ghettos (places not only of division, but also of poverty and degradation) sprang up in every industrial metropolis of the North.

The creation of the negro Harlem was dictated by these dynamics: The Great Migration from the South destabilized the residential balance of Harlem. The continuous influx of blacks in the neighborhood caused a profound change and completely transformed the face of Harlem. The high cost of rents, low salaries, overcrowded in the neighborhood and unhealthy living conditions became the norm. African Americans, unable to escape and seek better conditions, turned Harlem into a ghetto, a place that reflected the varieties of marginalization, injustice, and the stereotype imposed on involuntarily segregated people. As G. Osofsky pointed out, “the most profound change that Harlem experienced in the 1920’s was its emergence as a slum. Largely within the space of a single decade Harlem was transformed from a potentially ideal community to neighborhood whose manifold social and economic problems called ‘deplorable’, ‘unspeakable’, ‘incredible’.

However, in the African American imagery, Harlem was not just a ghetto or a slum, but it became the Negro Metropolis, Mecca of the New Negro, and above all, The Culture Capital, as J.W. Johnson defined it in the essay published in the anthology The New Negro: an interpretation (1925); this role derived mainly from the fact that Harlem was considered a city within a city, a space with its own history, with its own contradictions.

The prestige of Harlem in the eyes of the African American community was also due to its enviable position and its architectural and urban characteristics. If the ghettos of other northern cities were stigmatized as Niggertowns, Nigger Rows, Smoke Towns or Bronzevilles and represented places on the margins, worlds in their own, isolated from the social and cultural life of the city, Harlem, as J. W. Johnson points out, in this context was a real exception:

In the wake-up of New York, Harlem is not merely a Negro colony or community, it is a city within a city, the greatest Negro city in the world. It is not a slum or a fringe, it is located in the heart of Manhattan and occupies one of the most beautiful and healthful sections of the city. It is not a “quarter” of dilapidated tenements but is made up of new-law apartments and handsome dwellings, with well-paved and well-lighted streets.

In the evolution from White to Negro, Harlem managed to preserve the typical appearance of a residential neighborhood destined, originally, to permanently host the rich exponents of the New York upper and middle class.

The Great Migration from the South reached its peak during the Harlem Renaissance causing a further increase of the black population in the city. In a few years Harlem established itself both as a residence for workers of the lower classes, and as an elegant entertainment center, that attracted the upper-middle classes of the African American and Euro-American bourgeoisie. Harlem’s claim as a cultural capital and gathering center for influences and moods around the world produced changes in both living habits and goals that seemed to transform Northern urban societies, regardless of ethnicity, into communities populated by new types of people.