Role of Geography and Migrations in American Politics, Economics, and Society

Role of Geography and Migrations in American Politics, Economics, and Society the End of Reconstruction through the 1980s
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May 5, 2023
From the end of Reconstruction in 1877 through the 1980s, geography and migration played a crucial role in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of the United States. The Great Migration, the Dust Bowl migration, and the Sun Belt phenomenon are prime examples of how these elements combined to influence the nation's development during this transformative period. This analysis aims to explore the far-reaching effects of these migrations on governmental policies, economic growth, and societal dynamics, highlighting the profound consequences of population shifts and geographic changes in shaping the American experience. In line with this, the author of this paper believes that the critical migrations from the end of Reconstruction in 1877 through the 1980s significantly transformed American politics, economics, and society, ultimately driving the nation towards greater diversity and interconnectivity, which consequently laid the foundation for modern American policies, economic growth, and cultural dynamics.
Key Migration Periods
The Great Migration (1916-1970)
The Great Migration, characterized by millions of African Americans moving from the rural South to the urban North and West, led to significant political changes as these new residents began to assert their political power. This demographic shift contributed to the passage of civil rights legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to dismantle systemic racial discrimination and ensure equal voting rights. Economically, the Great Migration diversified the workforce in the North and West, contributing to the growth of industries like steel production and automobile manufacturing, and also accelerated urbanization, altering the demographic composition of major cities. In terms of society, the Great Migration led to the development of vibrant African American communities, such as Harlem. It fostered the flourishing of African American art, literature, and music during the Harlem Renaissance, creating a lasting cultural impact that has continued to shape American society.[Leffler, Warren K. n.d. “Epilogue - The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom | Exhibitions - Library of Congress.” /exhibits/civil-rights-act/epilogue.html.] [History.com. 2022. “Great Migration: Definition, Causes & Impact - HISTORY.” HISTORY. August 30, 2022. /topics/black-history/great-migration.]
Dust Bowl Migration (the 1930s)
The Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s, a result of severe drought and soil erosion in the Great Plains, brought agricultural policy and environmental conservation to the forefront of national debates, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices and government intervention in times of crisis. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies, including establishing the Soil Conservation Servi...