The Cities of the Great Migration

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 47 views

The Great Migration: Uncovering the City with the Largest Increase in African American Population in 1920

The early 20th century was a transformative period in American history, marked by significant social, economic, and demographic changes. One of the most pivotal events of this era was the Great Migration, a mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North. This phenomenon had a profound impact on the demographics of cities across the United States, with some experiencing a significant increase in their African American populations. In this article, we will explore which city had the largest increase in the population of African Americans in 1920.

The Great Migration: A Brief Overview

The Great Migration was a period of massive migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North, which lasted from approximately 1910 to 1940. This movement was driven by a combination of factors, including the decline of agricultural jobs in the South, the rise of industrialization in the North, and the promise of better economic opportunities. Many African Americans were also fleeing the harsh realities of racial segregation, violence, and discrimination in the South.

During this period, millions of African Americans made the treacherous journey north, often facing poverty, hunger, and disease along the way. Once they arrived in their new destinations, they faced significant challenges, including racism, poverty, and overcrowding. Despite these obstacles, the Great Migration had a profound impact on the demographics of cities across the United States, with many experiencing a significant increase in their African American populations.

The Cities of the Great Migration

Several cities across the United States experienced a significant increase in their African American populations during the Great Migration. Some of the most notable cities include Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. Each of these cities offered unique opportunities and challenges for African Americans, and their experiences during this period were shaped by a complex interplay of factors.

Chicago: A Hub of African American Migration

Chicago was one of the primary destinations for African Americans during the Great Migration. The city's industrial economy offered a range of job opportunities, from manufacturing to domestic work, and its vibrant cultural scene provided a platform for African American artists, musicians, and writers to express themselves. Chicago's African American community was also home to a number of prominent leaders, including the legendary civil rights activist Ida B. Wells.

According to the 1920 United States Census, Chicago's African American population had increased by over 150% since 1910, with the city's African American population growing from approximately 44,000 to over 109,000. This represented a significant increase in the city's overall population, which had grown from approximately 2.7 million to over 3.4 million during the same period.

Detroit: A City of Opportunity and Challenge

Detroit was another major destination for African Americans during the Great Migration. The city's automotive industry offered a range of job opportunities, from assembly line work to skilled trades, and its vibrant cultural scene provided a platform for African American artists, musicians, and writers to express themselves. Detroit's African American community was also home to a number of prominent leaders, including the legendary civil rights activist Charles H. Wright.

According to the 1920 United States Census, Detroit's African American population had increased by over 120% since 1910, with the city's African American population growing from approximately 6,500 to over 14,000. This represented a significant increase in the city's overall population, which had grown from approximately 750,000 to over 900,000 during the same period.

New York: A City of Diversity and Opportunity

New York was a major destination for African Americans during the Great Migration, with the city's African American population growing from approximately 91,000 to over 152,000 between 1910 and 1920. This represented a significant increase in the city's overall population, which had grown from approximately 4.8 million to over 5.6 million during the same period.

New York's African American community was home to a number of prominent leaders, including the legendary civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois. The city's vibrant cultural scene provided a platform for African American artists, musicians, and writers to express themselves, and its diverse neighborhoods offered a range of opportunities for African Americans to establish themselves.

St. Louis: A City of Challenge and Opportunity

St. Louis was another major destination for African Americans during the Great Migration. The city's African American population grew from approximately 58,000 to over 74,000 between 1910 and 1920, representing a significant increase in the city's overall population. St. Louis's African American community was home to a number of prominent leaders, including the legendary civil rights activist T. Thomas Fortune.

Despite the challenges faced by African Americans in St. Louis, the city's vibrant cultural scene provided a platform for African American artists, musicians, and writers to express themselves. The city's diverse neighborhoods offered a range of opportunities for African Americans to establish themselves, and its industrial economy provided a range of job opportunities.

Philadelphia: A City of Opportunity and Challenge

Philadelphia was a major destination for African Americans during the Great Migration, with the city's African American population growing from approximately 83,000 to over 115,000 between 1910 and 1920. This represented a significant increase in the city's overall population, which had grown from approximately 1.8 million to over 2.1 million during the same period.

Philadelphia's African American community was home to a number of prominent leaders, including the legendary civil rights activist Octavius Catto. The city's vibrant cultural scene provided a platform for African American artists, musicians, and writers to express themselves, and its diverse neighborhoods offered a range of opportunities for African Americans to establish themselves.

Conclusion

The Great Migration was a pivotal event in American history, with millions of African Americans making the treacherous journey north in search of better economic opportunities and a more promising future. The cities of Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Philadelphia were among the primary destinations for African Americans during this period, and each of these cities offered unique opportunities and challenges for African Americans.

According to the 1920 United States Census, Chicago's African American population had increased by over 150% since 1910, making it the city with the largest increase in African American population in 1920. This represented a significant increase in the city's overall population, which had grown from approximately 2.7 million to over 3.4 million during the same period.

The Great Migration had a profound impact on the demographics of cities across the United States, and its legacy continues to shape American society today. As we reflect on this pivotal event in American history, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of African Americans, who faced significant challenges and obstacles in their pursuit of a better life.
The Great Migration: A Q&A Article

The Great Migration was a pivotal event in American history, with millions of African Americans making the treacherous journey north in search of better economic opportunities and a more promising future. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Great Migration and its impact on American society.

Q: What was the Great Migration?

A: The Great Migration was a period of massive migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North, which lasted from approximately 1910 to 1940. This movement was driven by a combination of factors, including the decline of agricultural jobs in the South, the rise of industrialization in the North, and the promise of better economic opportunities.

Q: Why did African Americans migrate from the South to the North?

A: African Americans migrated from the South to the North in search of better economic opportunities, including jobs in manufacturing, construction, and domestic work. They also sought to escape the harsh realities of racial segregation, violence, and discrimination in the South.

Q: Which cities were the primary destinations for African Americans during the Great Migration?

A: The primary destinations for African Americans during the Great Migration were Chicago, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. These cities offered a range of job opportunities, cultural attractions, and social services that attracted African Americans from the South.

Q: What was the impact of the Great Migration on African American communities?

A: The Great Migration had a profound impact on African American communities, both positively and negatively. On the one hand, it provided African Americans with access to better economic opportunities, education, and healthcare. On the other hand, it also led to overcrowding, poverty, and racism in urban areas.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced by African Americans during the Great Migration?

A: Some of the challenges faced by African Americans during the Great Migration included racism, poverty, overcrowding, and limited access to education and healthcare. They also faced significant cultural and social adjustments as they adapted to urban life.

Q: How did the Great Migration shape American society?

A: The Great Migration had a profound impact on American society, shaping the country's demographics, economy, and culture. It also contributed to the growth of the Civil Rights Movement, as African Americans sought to address the injustices and inequalities they faced in urban areas.

Q: What were some of the key figures involved in the Great Migration?

A: Some of the key figures involved in the Great Migration included W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent civil rights leader and sociologist; Ida B. Wells, a journalist and activist who exposed the horrors of lynching; and Charles H. Wright, a civil rights leader who advocated for African American rights in Detroit.

Q: What were some of the key events of the Great Migration?

A: Some of the key events of the Great Migration included the 1910 census, which revealed the massive migration of African Americans from the South to the North; the 1915 riot in Chicago, which highlighted the tensions between African Americans and whites; and the 1920 census, which showed the continued growth of African American populations in urban areas.

Q: How did the Great Migration contribute to the growth of the Civil Rights Movement?

A: The Great Migration contributed to the growth of the Civil Rights Movement by highlighting the injustices and inequalities faced by African Americans in urban areas. It also provided a platform for African American leaders to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Q: What are some of the lasting legacies of the Great Migration?

A: Some of the lasting legacies of the Great Migration include the growth of African American populations in urban areas, the development of African American culture and identity, and the continued struggle for civil rights and social justice.

Q: How can we learn more about the Great Migration?

A: There are many resources available to learn more about the Great Migration, including books, articles, documentaries, and museums. Some recommended resources include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Library of Congress, and the PBS documentary series "The Great Migration."