2.2.2

Early Migration

Test yourself

Early Migration

In 1850 the population of America was 23 million. This included 4 million black people, many of whom were enslaved.

Illustrative background for The Civil War Illustrative background for The Civil War  ?? "content

The Civil War

  • Prior to the Civil War, many black people found it difficult to escape the South. However, afterwards, many black people migrated to the North.
    • People in the North feared that this influx of black people would threaten their way of life.
    • Many Northern employers did not hire black people.
  • Immediately after the Civil War, conditions for black people improved slightly in the South so the desire for migration decreased.
    • This was also because generally, black people had agricultural skills, not industrial skills that they needed for work in the North.
Illustrative background for Jim Crow Laws Illustrative background for Jim Crow Laws  ?? "content

Jim Crow Laws

  • By 1877, with the increased use of Jim Crow laws, black peoples' desire to migrate North recommenced.
    • In 1879, 20,000 black people moved from the South to Kansas in search of a better life.
    • Between 1880-1900 many black people migrated from the South to Chicago. The population of Chicago rose from 6,480 to 30,150 in this period.
    • The population of New York rose from 65,000 to 100,000.
  • The migration of black people exposed the whole of America to the issues of racism and made the population more aware of the civil rights debate.
Illustrative background for Racism and Race Riots Illustrative background for Racism and Race Riots  ?? "content

Racism and Race Riots

  • The migration of black people scared the white Northerners who believed it could result in them losing their jobs. This caused racism to spread.
    • In New York, the black people population in 1900 made up 1% of the total population but this was enough to lead white people to start a race riot.
    • Riots erupted across the North. In New York, a mob of white men stated their intent to ‘clean the side streets of Negroes’ and this was supported by the predominately Irish police.
Illustrative background for Voting rightsIllustrative background for Voting rights ?? "content

Voting rights

  • Due to the increasing migration of black people, Northern states started to make it difficult for black people to gain the vote.
  • The Northern states also promoted de facto segregation in schools, excluded black people from trade unions, landlords refused to rent to black people and landowners refused to sell property to black people.

Jump to other topics

1‘Free at Last’ 1865-77

2The Triumph of ‘Jim Crow’ 1883-c1890

3The New Deal and Race Relations, 1933–41

4‘I have a dream’, 1954–68

5Obama's Campaign for the Presidency, 2004–09

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson