The advancement of people to and within the United States has had an essential impact on the nation, both intentionally and unintentionally. Progressions such as the Great Migration and the Second Great Migration are examples of movements that had a large impact on the United States. During these movements, African Americans migrated to escape racism and prejudice in the South, as well as to seek work in industrial cities. They were unable to escape racism, but they were able to infuse their culture into American society. During the twentieth century, economic and political problems led to movements such as the Great Migration and the Second Great Migration that had a significant impact on the United States. The Great Migration was the movement of two million blacks from the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West between 1910 and 1940. By 1900, approximately ninety percent of African Americans resided in slave-holding states in the South. Starting in 1910, the African American population increased by nearly 20 percent in the Northern states, especially in larger cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Cleveland. African Americans left the rural South because they believed they could escape the discrimination and racial segregation of Jim Crow laws by seeking refuge in the North. Some examples of Jim Crow laws include the segregation of public schools, public places, and public transportation, and the segregation of restrooms, restaurants, and water fountains for blacks and whites (“The History of Jim Crow”). Additionally, economic depression due to boll weevil infestation of Southern cotton fields in the late 1910s and the great Mississippi flood of 1927 forced many sharecroppers to seek other employees. what they expected. They were greeted by racial inequality, segregation, high spending, and cruel treatment. They migrated to circumstances that would influence subsequent generations. However, they brought their culture with them and left a lasting impact on different aspects of society, such as cuisine, music and religion. Great strides have been made to escape racism, prejudice and injustice. Although they were unable to achieve their goals, they still managed to leave a significant impact on American society. Works Cited Gregory, James N.. “Second Great Migration: Historical Overview.” UW Faculty Web Server. Np, nd Web. 24 September 2011. "The History of Jim Crow." The history of Jim Crow. Np, nd Web. 24 September. 2011. .