The Great Migration Worksheet Answers delve into the pivotal movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North, providing a comprehensive understanding of its historical context, key figures, and profound impact on communities. This worksheet unravels the complexities of the migration, shedding light on the social, economic, and cultural transformations that shaped American society.

Exploring the factors that fueled the movement, the worksheet traces the journey of individuals and families seeking better opportunities and escaping racial oppression. It examines the role of organizations and institutions in facilitating the migration and the challenges faced by migrants as they settled in new environments.

1. Historical Background

The Great Migration refers to the large-scale movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North, Midwest, and West between 1916 and 1970. This migration was driven by a complex interplay of factors, including:

• Economic opportunities: The rise of industrialization in the North and West created a demand for labor, attracting African Americans seeking better economic prospects.
• Social and political oppression: African Americans faced severe discrimination and violence in the South, including Jim Crow laws and lynchings, pushing them to seek safer and more equitable environments.
• Agricultural decline: The decline of the cotton industry in the South, coupled with mechanization, led to a surplus of labor and reduced economic opportunities for African Americans.
• The Great War: The First World War created labor shortages in the North, leading to increased demand for African American workers.

2. Key Events and Figures

The Great Migration was marked by several significant events and individuals:

Events

• 1916: The Chicago Race Riot, sparked by racial tensions and economic competition, displaced thousands of African Americans and accelerated the northward migration.
• 1917: The Great Mississippi Flood, a devastating natural disaster, forced many African Americans to leave the South and seek refuge in the North.
• 1941-1945: World War II created increased labor demands in the North, leading to a surge in African American migration.

Figures, The great migration worksheet answers

• W.E.B. Du Bois: A prominent sociologist and civil rights activist, Du Bois advocated for the migration as a way to improve the lives of African Americans.
• Robert R. Moton: The president of Tuskegee Institute, Moton supported the migration and established training programs to prepare African Americans for industrial jobs in the North.
• Marcus Garvey: A Jamaican-born activist, Garvey promoted the idea of a separate African American nation and encouraged some African Americans to return to Africa.

3. Impact on African American Communities

The Great Migration had a profound impact on African American communities in both the South and the North:

Impact on the South

• Population decline: The migration led to a significant decline in the African American population in the South, especially in rural areas.
• Economic loss: The loss of labor and talent drained the Southern economy, contributing to the region’s economic stagnation.
• Social and political change: The departure of African Americans weakened the political power of the Black community in the South and slowed the progress of the civil rights movement.

Impact on the North

• Population growth: The migration led to a significant increase in the African American population in the North, especially in urban centers like Chicago, Detroit, and New York City.
• Residential segregation: African Americans faced widespread discrimination in housing, leading to the creation of segregated neighborhoods and the formation of Black ghettos.
• Cultural and economic vitality: The influx of African Americans brought new cultural traditions and economic enterprises to the North, enriching the region’s urban landscape.

4. Literary and Artistic Responses: The Great Migration Worksheet Answers

The Great Migration inspired a wealth of literary and artistic works that reflected the experiences and perspectives of migrants:

• Literature: Works by authors such as Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright, and James Baldwin explored the themes of migration, racial identity, and the search for a sense of belonging.
• Music: Blues and jazz musicians, such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Billie Holiday, used their music to express the struggles and joys of African American life during the migration.
• Visual arts: Artists like Jacob Lawrence and Archibald Motley Jr. created powerful paintings and murals that depicted the experiences of migrants and the challenges they faced.

5. Contemporary Significance

The legacy of the Great Migration continues to shape American society today:

• Racial identity: The migration played a crucial role in shaping African American identity and the concept of Blackness in America.
• Urban development: The growth of African American communities in Northern cities had a significant impact on urban planning and development, leading to the creation of new neighborhoods and institutions.
• Contemporary migration: The Great Migration serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with migration and the pursuit of a better life.

FAQ

What were the primary factors that led to the Great Migration?

Economic opportunities, racial discrimination, and the boll weevil infestation in the South.

Who were some of the key figures associated with the Great Migration?

W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

How did the Great Migration impact African American communities in the North?

It led to increased urbanization, economic growth, and the formation of new cultural and political institutions.