The Great Migration

The Great Migration was a movement of over 6 million African Americans from the south to the north that began in 1916₁. Before this movement, African Americans had made up a mere 2 percent of Chicago’s population, but by 1970, they were 33 percent₂. While relocating, African Americans hoped to find new jobs and less racial discrimination

This event directly reflects the racial discrimination going on during this time in history. Although blacks were no longer slaves, there were still many angry southerners who did not treat them fairly. This discrimination also shows through the work force where they were not able to get jobs. After this time period, the United States was a lot more diverse. Different demographics occupied many different areas.

The Great Migration eliminated a majority of the racial discriminations throughout the United States. When soldiers left for WWI, workers were needed, and African Americans were there to work. So, the work place became more diversified. Not only the workplace, but America as a whole, completely changed. The black population spread along with its culture.

African-Americans Took Many Different Routes North, as Shown Above

[1] “Great Migration.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.history.com/topics/great-migration&gt;.

[2] “Great Migration.” Great Migration. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/545.html&gt;.