What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration refers specifically to the significant movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban centers in the Northern and Western regions between the early 20th century and the 1970s. This migration was driven by various factors, including the pursuit of better economic opportunities, escaping the oppressive conditions of Jim Crow laws, and seeking greater social and political rights.

During this period, African American individuals and families left agrarian lifestyles in the South and sought work in factories and industries in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York. The Great Migration had profound impacts on the demographics, culture, and social dynamics of the United States, contributing to the rise of vibrant African American communities in urban areas and influencing cultural developments such as the Harlem Renaissance.

In contrast, the other options represent distinct historical events or movements. The immigration of Europeans primarily pertains to earlier waves of immigration to America, particularly during the 19th century and early 20th century. The relocation of Native Americans to reservations is a separate historical context involving forced displacement primarily in the 19th century. Lastly, the movement of people from rural to suburban areas reflects trends occurring in the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. Each