The Great Migration and Chicago’s Growth
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Chicago became one of the most popular destinations for African Americans during the Great Migration from 1914 to 1950. The Great Migration was the mass movement of blacks from the farming communities of the south to the more industrial cities of the north. This was mostly driven by the introduction of the Jim Crow laws of the south and the increase of northern industries because of the world wars. Because of the railway, meatpacking, and steel industries based in Chicago, many flocked here in search of work. These migrations dramatically increased during the time of World War I and World War II when demand for workers skyrocketed. So many migrated to Chicago during this time that its African American population grew from 44,000 in 1910 to 235,000 by 1930. An increase that large comes to approximately 10,000 per year growth.
A newspaper called the Chicago Defender played a major role in the attraction to this city. This newspaper gave migrants across the country a glimpse of city life and made Chicago a symbol of the northern cities, even for those traveling to other locations. As African Americans came north to Chicago, so did their culture. This increased the popularity of the blues and jazz in Chicago. Jazz found its way to Chicago by way of the railway from New Orleans. Musicians came to Chicago from New Orleans for the same reason that most did; failed crops and loss of jobs. They found a welcome in the area of Chicago known as The Stroll. Many musicians would come to this area to not only play but to learn from other artists of other cultures and broaden their own style. As you can see the Great Migration played a major part in the expansion of Chicago, not only on the industrial side but in its culture as well.
