Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

The migration of African Americans to Northern cities during the early 20th century, particularly the Great Migration, was marked by a significant social shift characterized by increased racial tensions and violence. As large numbers of African Americans moved away from the South, where they faced systemic racism and oppression, they sought better economic opportunities and living conditions in the North. However, this influx often led to competition for jobs and housing, which heightened racial tensions in many Northern urban areas.

The presence of African Americans in these regions challenged the existing social hierarchy and prompted white residents to react defensively, leading to episodes of violence, such as race riots. Historical examples include the East St. Louis riots of 1917 and the Chicago race riots of 1919, which were direct responses to the demographic changes and the associated economic competition. These events illustrate how the migration of African Americans was not just a physical relocation but also a transformative social phenomenon that brought underlying racial tensions to the forefront.