Pre-Harlem Renaissance
Prior to the Harlem Renaissance, the U.S. was involved in World War I, a war which put the them in one of the best financial spots of its history. During the war, the U.S. sent mostly Caucasian men to fight, opening up countless opportunities for African American factory workers. Because most African Americans who were out of work lived in the south, many migrated north because of the demand for workers. These southern African Americans migrated to big cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, and New York City. These extra workers were needed due to the high demand of products in war ravaged Europe. With the new found income these African American workers had, it enabled them to greatly develop their new style of the arts.
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Here is a rap video which describes the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance after World War I ends.
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