Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

What was a primary cause of the Great Migration of African Americans in the early 20th century?

1. Industrial job opportunities in northern cities

2. Political changes in the southern states

3. Establishment of public schools

4. Increased agricultural production in the South

The correct answer is: Industrial job opportunities in northern cities

The primary cause of the Great Migration of African Americans in the early 20th century was the industrial job opportunities available in northern cities. This period, which took place roughly from 1916 to 1970, saw millions of African Americans leaving the rural South in search of better economic prospects and to escape the oppressive conditions under Jim Crow laws. The burgeoning industries in the North, particularly during and after World War I, created a high demand for labor, attracting many African Americans who were seeking jobs that would provide them with a more stable income and improved living standards. In contrast, the political changes in the southern states, the establishment of public schools, and increased agricultural production in the South did not play significant roles in motivating this migration. Many African Americans were still disenfranchised politically in the South during this period, and while there were some educational advancements, the immediate need for economic opportunity was a more pressing factor driving the migration. The agricultural sector, particularly with sharecropping, often constrained economic mobility and left many African Americans in poverty, further highlighting the urgency to seek out the industrial opportunities available in the North.