The Great Migration was the movement of millions of African Americans from the South to Northern cities between the 1910s and the 1970s in search of better jobs, education, and freedom from Jim Crow oppression.

(The Chicago Defender, "The Exodus," 1916, via National Park Service)

The Chicago Defender, a major African American newspaper, encouraged African Americans to move to large cities, and 500,000 did so.

"I am compelled to teach 150 children without any assistance and receives only $27.00 a month, the white with 30 get $100. I am so sick I am so tired of such conditions ... If I was a strong able bodied man I would have gone from here long ago, but this handicaps me and, I must make inquiries before I leap."

(Anonymous Alcorn College Graduate, as quoted from "Letter 1," 1919, Hanover College)

"I can ride in the electric street and steam cars any where I get a seat ... yet amid all this I shall ever love the good old South, and I am praying that God may give every well wisher a chance to be a man regardless of his color, and if my going to the front would bring about such conditions, I am ready any day ..."

(Anonymous Migrant, as quoted from "Letter 9," 1919, Hanover College)

World War I increased job opportunities as many workers left for war and European immigration stopped. African Americans filled many of these jobs, but limited housing led to overcrowding. White workers resented African Americans’ access to these opportunities, which contributed to rising racial tensions.

The return of African American soldiers from World War I came with new, controversial movements against racism, while ongoing racism and violence worsened racial tensions in the city.

"We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting. Make way for Democracy! We saved it in France, and by the Great Jehovah, we will save it in the United States of America, or know the reason why."

(W.E.B. Du Bois, as quoted from NAACP, 1919, The Crisis)

African American leaders encouraged soldiers to return fighting for their dignity and honor. 

"And the point is made that every loyal American negro who has served with the colors may fairly ask: ‘Is this our reward for what we have done?'"

(Original newspaper, as quoted in "African-American Veterans Hoped Their Service...," 2018, TIME)

African Americans deserved respect for their service, but many whites resisted challenges to racial hierarchies. ​​​​​​​In Chicago, angry whites attacked African Americans, leading to several deaths. Many African American houses were bombed from 1917 to 1919, and tensions were ready to explode.

"All attempts at segregation bring only discord and resentful opposition. The bombing of the home of colored citizens is futile. This will neither intimidate any considerable number of them nor stop their moving into a given district. The most certain result is bitter racial antagonism.​​​​​​​"

(Charles S. Duke, as quoted from Carl Sandburg, 1919, The 1919 Race Riots)