Migration and Urbanization in American History - Lecture 8

Explore the complexities of African American migration and urbanization in the early 20th century through this 43-minute lecture from Yale University's "American History: From Emancipation to the Present" course. Delve into the challenges faced by African Americans settling in Northern and Midwestern cities, examining pivotal events such as the 1917 East St. Louis and 1919 Chicago race riots, and the NAACP's Silent Protest Parade. Investigate the experiences of African American soldiers during World War I, their heightened expectations for civil rights upon return, and the subsequent racial backlash. Analyze the responses of influential figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Claude McKay to this turbulent period, gaining insight into the evolving political climate for African American rights. The lecture covers key topics including Du Bois' editorials "Close Ranks" and "Returning Soldiers," as well as McKay's powerful poem "If We Must Die," providing a comprehensive overview of this critical era in American history.