Migration History
Several factors led to what came to be known as "The Great Migration" of Puerto Ricans to New York. Contributing factors were the Great Depression, World War II, and the advent of air travel.
The Great Depression was widespread and affected Puerto Rico. Since the Island's economy was and still is dependent on the United States, it was to be expected that when the American banks and industries began to fail, the effect would also be felt on the island. Unemployment was on the rise as a consequence; thus, many families fled to the U.S. mainland in search of jobs.
The outbreak of World War II opened the doors to many of the migrants who were searching for jobs. Since a large portion of the male population in the U.S. was sent to war, there was a sudden need of manpower to fulfill the jobs left behind. Puerto Ricans, both male and female, found themselves employed in factories and ship docks, producing both domestic and warfare goods.
The advent of air travel provided Puerto Ricans with an affordable and faster way of travel to New York. Eventually some Puerto Ricans adopted the U.S. mainland as their home and married non-Hispanics. Their children were of Puerto Rican descent, yet many were given non-Hispanic surnames.
Source:
(See References page for information on images)
The Great Depression was widespread and affected Puerto Rico. Since the Island's economy was and still is dependent on the United States, it was to be expected that when the American banks and industries began to fail, the effect would also be felt on the island. Unemployment was on the rise as a consequence; thus, many families fled to the U.S. mainland in search of jobs.
The outbreak of World War II opened the doors to many of the migrants who were searching for jobs. Since a large portion of the male population in the U.S. was sent to war, there was a sudden need of manpower to fulfill the jobs left behind. Puerto Ricans, both male and female, found themselves employed in factories and ship docks, producing both domestic and warfare goods.
The advent of air travel provided Puerto Ricans with an affordable and faster way of travel to New York. Eventually some Puerto Ricans adopted the U.S. mainland as their home and married non-Hispanics. Their children were of Puerto Rican descent, yet many were given non-Hispanic surnames.
Source:
(See References page for information on images)