The primary impact of the Great Migration on American urban centers was the dramatic demographic transformation, as millions of African Americans relocated from the rural South to northern and western cities between 1916 and 1970. This migration led to increased populations in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, profoundly influencing social, cultural, and economic landscapes. The influx contributed to the emergence of vibrant African American communities and cultural movements, such as Harlem Renaissance. However, it also instigated racial tensions, competition for jobs, and segregation, shaping the dynamics of urban life and civil rights struggles.