1. Economic Opportunities :
- Lack of Economic Prospects in the South : African Americans in the South were often subjected to discrimination and limited opportunities for economic advancement. They primarily worked in agriculture and faced unfair practices, including sharecropping and debt peonage, which kept them impoverished.
- Industrial Jobs in the North : The industrial boom during World War 1 increased the demand for workers in northern and Midwestern cities, and many factories, including those producing war materials, hired African Americans. These jobs offered higher wages and the chance for a better quality of life.
2. Escape from Racial Violence and Segregation :
- Jim Crow Laws : The South implemented restrictive laws known as Jim Crow laws, enforcing segregation and discrimination against African Americans. They faced harsh treatment, violence, and disenfranchisement, making their lives challenging.
- Lynchings and Racial Terrorism : Widespread lynchings and acts of racial violence were prevalent in the South, further motivating many African Americans to leave for safer environments.
3. Northern Activism and Advocacy :
- Northern Movements : Movements like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Urban League gained traction in the North, advocating for civil rights and fighting discrimination. Their efforts helped make Northern cities more appealing destinations for African Americans.
- Black Newspapers : Influential Black newspapers, like the Chicago Defender and the Pittsburgh Courier, contributed to the spread of information about the opportunities and successes of African Americans who already lived in the North and Midwest.
4. Impact of World War 1 :
- Increased Labor Demand : The entry of the United States into World War 1 led to the conscription of many white workers into the military. This further amplified the demand for labor in industries, opening employment doors for African Americans in the North and Midwest.
5. Chain Migration :
- Established Communities : African Americans already living in the North and Midwest established churches, businesses, and communities that supported migrants from the South. These networks facilitated the process of resettlement and assimilation in the new regions.
The Great Migration had profound impacts on the social and economic dynamics of the United States, reshaping the urban landscapes of Northern and Midwestern cities and contributing to the civil rights movement that eventually challenged the prevalent systemic discrimination.