The Great Migration had a profound impact on American society, particularly in the early to mid-20th century when millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West. This migration was driven by the search for better economic opportunities and escape from racial segregation and violence in the South. The influx of African Americans into cities like Chicago and New York contributed to cultural movements, notably the Harlem Renaissance, and reshaped the demographics of urban America. It also heightened racial tensions and led to significant social and political changes, including the civil rights movement.