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Difficulty: MediumThe Great Migration and Demographic Shifts

Read the following excerpt from an editorial in the Atlanta Constitution, a Southern newspaper, published in 1916:

"The Negro is not leaving the South because he prefers the cold climate of the North. He is leaving because of the industrial opportunities offered to him there, and because of the treatment he receives here. If the South wishes to keep its labor, it must provide better protection under the law and wages that can compete with Northern factories."

Based on the excerpt, which of the following best describes the relationship between the factors driving the Great Migration?

  1. The migration was motivated by a combination of Southern push factors, such as the lack of legal protection, and Northern pull factors, such as industrial job opportunities.Answer
  2. B
    The migration was driven exclusively by Southern push factors like racial violence, while Northern cities actively discouraged industrial employment for migrants.
  3. C
    The migration occurred because Northern industrial demand served as a push factor that forced families to relocate to Southern agricultural regions.
  4. D
    The migration was primarily initiated by Southern agricultural decline, which functioned as a key Northern pull factor drawing migrants to rural areas.

Answer

The correct answer states that the migration was motivated by a combination of Southern push factors, such as the lack of legal protection, and Northern pull factors, such as industrial job opportunities.
The correct answer is correct because the editorial explicitly mentions both the push factors inherent in Southern society (unsatisfactory treatment and lack of legal protection) and the pull factors attracting workers to the North (industrial opportunities and higher factory wages).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary source excerpt for reasons why African Americans left the South.
The source mentions 'treatment he receives here' and the need for 'better protection under the law' as reasons for leaving the South.
To identify the Southern push factors driving the migration.
2
Analyze the primary source excerpt for reasons why African Americans chose Northern destinations.
The source points to 'industrial opportunities offered to him there' and the need for Southern wages to 'compete with Northern factories.'
To identify the Northern pull factors drawing migrants to the North.
3
Synthesize these findings to evaluate which option correctly distinguishes and links these push and pull factors.
The option that correctly identifies the lack of legal protection as a Southern push factor and industrial opportunities as a Northern pull factor matches the analysis.
To select the correct conceptual description of the Great Migration's drivers.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between Southern push factors and Northern pull factors during the Great Migration.
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Topics

The Great Migration and Demographic Shifts

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