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Difficulty: MediumThe Great Migration and Demographic Shifts

Read the following excerpt from Alain Locke's essay "The New Negro," published in 1925:

"The wash and rush of this human tide on the beach line of northern centers is to be explained primarily in terms of a new vision of opportunity, of social and economic freedom, of a spirit to seize, even in the face of an extortionate and closed market, a chance for the improvement of conditions. With each successive wave of it, the movement of the Negro becomes more and more a mass movement toward the larger and the more democratic chance—in the direction of a cooperation in the American community..."

Based on the excerpt, which of the following best describes Alain Locke's interpretation of the primary force driving the Great Migration?

  1. The self-determined aspiration of African Americans to secure economic advancement and full civic participation in the United States.Answer
  2. B
    A passive reaction to Southern agricultural hardships and environmental crises like the boll weevil infestation.
  3. C
    A structured initiative coordinated by Northern labor agents and federal agencies to relocate Southern workers.
  4. D
    A rejection of American citizenship in favor of establishing separate, self-governing colonies in West Africa.

Answer

The self-determined aspiration of African Americans to secure economic advancement and full civic participation in the United States.
The correct option is correct because Alain Locke frames the Great Migration as a self-directed 'mass movement' driven by individuals seeking a 'new vision of opportunity' and 'social and economic freedom.' By highlighting their movement toward 'cooperation in the American community,' Locke underscores the agency of African Americans actively pursuing full citizenship and financial independence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the stimulus document.
Alain Locke highlights that the Great Migration is driven by a 'new vision of opportunity,' a pursuit of 'social and economic freedom,' and a desire for 'cooperation in the American community.'
To understand Locke's perspective on what motivated African Americans to leave the South.
2
Evaluate the options against the primary source analysis.
The option emphasizing self-determined aspiration and civic participation aligns with Locke's description of a grassroots 'mass movement toward the larger and the more democratic chance.' Other options either focus strictly on push factors, external agents, or suggest emigration goals that contradict the text.
To identify the answer choice that correctly interprets the passage's argument regarding migration drivers.

Key Concept

The Great Migration was driven by both Southern push factors (racial terror, economic exploitation) and Northern pull factors (industrial jobs, political rights), and was fundamentally characterized by the agency of African Americans seeking social and economic advancement.

Practice More

Review how the Black press, particularly the Chicago Defender, acted as a major Northern pull factor by advertising jobs and housing during the First Great Migration.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The Great Migration and Demographic Shifts

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