What does the term "Great Migration" refer to?

The term "Great Migration" specifically refers to the significant movement of African Americans from rural areas in the Southern United States to urban centers in the North and West, primarily during the early to mid-20th century, particularly from about 1916 to 1970. This migration was driven by the search for better economic opportunities, escaping the oppressive conditions of Jim Crow laws, and the desire for a more equitable social environment.

The Great Migration had profound effects on the demographics of American cities, contributing to the growth of the African American middle class and influencing cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. It marked a pivotal change in the social fabric of America, as African Americans sought to establish new lives in places like Chicago, New York City, and Detroit, leading to shifts in cultural, social, and political dynamics across the nation.

Understanding the Great Migration is crucial as it highlights the struggles for civil rights, economic equality, and the complexities of American identity during this era.