Pre-WWI Demographics: In 1914, 90% of African Americans lived in the South. Northern cities had small African American populations.
WWI Influence: The war increased industrial jobs available to African Americans due to heightened war production and a decline in European immigration.
Migration Motivations:
Desire for work and higher wages.
Educational opportunities.
Escape from violence.
The right to vote.
The Great Migration
Scale and Duration:
Began during WWI and lasted through the 1920s, continuing for over three generations.
1910-1920: Half a million African Americans moved North.
By the end of the 20th century: 5 million additional African Americans migrated.
Destinations:
Large cities like New York, Chicago.
Smaller cities like Akron, Buffalo, Trenton.
Predominantly resettled in interior cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland.
Historical Precedents
Kansas Exodus (1879-1880):
40,000-60,000 African Americans moved to Kansas.
Motivated by the search for political rights, safety, and economic opportunities.
Known as exodusters.
Challenges and Violence
Disappointments in the North:
Limited employment opportunities.
Union exclusion.
Housing segregation.
Racial violence outbreaks.
Notable Riots:
1917 East St. Louis riot: African Americans attacked amidst factory employment tensions.
1919 Chicago riots: Most of the 250 killed were African Americans.
1921 Tulsa riot: Sparked by racial tensions, resulting in over 300 African Americans killed, destruction of the Black Wall Street.
African American Militancy and Movements
New Spirit of Militancy: The racial violence inspired a renewed militancy.
Universal Negro Improvement Association:
Supported by many African Americans in northern cities.
Advocated for African independence and black self-reliance.
Marcus Garvey:
Jamaican immigrant, launched the Back to Africa campaign.
Captivating orator, filled venues like Carnegie Hall.
Stressed empowerment but alienated leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois.
Involved in shady business, convicted of mail fraud, deported.
Garvey's Legacy
Despite his deportation and the controversial aspects of his movement, Garvey highlighted the African American sense of betrayal post-war.