Outline the key eras of popular mobility, and how these were similar to or different from each other (who moved, where they moved, why they moved). What have been the implications (social, political, economic) for American history as a whole?
Key eras of popular mobility
Full Answer Section
- Great Migration: The Great Migration was a period of mass migration of African Americans from the South to the North and Midwest. This migration began in the early 20th century and continued for several decades. The reasons for the Great Migration were complex, but some of the most common reasons included the desire for better economic opportunities, the escape from racial segregation and discrimination, and the desire to live in a more tolerant society.
- Suburbanization: Suburbanization is the process of people moving from cities to suburbs. This process began in the mid-20th century and has continued to the present day. The reasons for suburbanization are varied, but some of the most common reasons include the desire for more space, the desire for better schools, and the desire for a safer environment.
- All four eras were characterized by large numbers of people moving from one part of the country to another.
- All four eras were driven by a variety of factors, including economic opportunity, religious freedom, and the search for a better life.
- All four eras had a significant impact on American society, culture, and economy.
- The different eras of popular mobility were characterized by different types of people moving, different destinations, and different motivations.
- For example, the colonial era was characterized by the arrival of European immigrants, while the Great Migration was characterized by the movement of African Americans from the South to the North.
- The westward expansion era was characterized by the movement of people from the East and Midwest to the West, while the suburbanization era was characterized by the movement of people from cities to suburbs.
- The motivations for moving also varied from era to era. For example, many of the European immigrants who came to America during the colonial era were fleeing religious persecution, while many of the African Americans who moved from the South to the North during the Great Migration were seeking better economic opportunities.
Sample Answer
There have been four key eras of popular mobility in American history:
- Colonial era: During the colonial era, people from all over Europe came to America seeking a new life. Many of these immigrants were fleeing religious persecution or poverty in their home countries. They settled in all parts of the country, but the largest concentrations were in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
- Westward expansion: The 19th century saw a period of rapid westward expansion in the United States. Millions of people left their homes in the East and Midwest to settle in the West. The reasons for this westward movement were varied, but some of the most common reasons included the desire for land, the search for gold, and the escape from religious persecution.