The Great Migration, which occurred from roughly 1916 to 1970, significantly impacted American cities, particularly in the North. As millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York, they sought better economic opportunities and escape from racial discrimination. This migration led to demographic shifts, contributing to the growth of vibrant African American communities and cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance. However, it also resulted in increased racial tensions, competition for jobs, and housing shortages, which sometimes led to violent conflicts and changes in urban policies.