The historical process that allowed for the movement of people during the Great Migration refers to the migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West, primarily between 1916 and 1970. This movement was driven by multiple factors, including the search for better economic opportunities, the escape from racial oppression and Jim Crow laws, and the desire for a better quality of life. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York became hubs for these new migrants, contributing to significant cultural developments, including the Harlem Renaissance. The Great Migration reshaped American demographics and left a lasting impact on urban culture and society.