The novel Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin is set in the 1930s in Harlem, New York, during the Great Depression. The novel explores the lives of the members of the Grimes family and the challenges they face as African Americans living in a racially segregated society. While the novel does not explicitly mention six specific historical events, it does incorporate various historical elements that reflect the social and political climate of the time:
The Great Depression: The novel takes place during the Great Depression, a severe worldwide economic crisis that began in 1929. The characters in the novel experience the hardships and poverty caused by the economic downturn, which further exacerbates the struggles they face as African Americans.
The Harlem Renaissance: The novel also references the Harlem Renaissance, an influential period of cultural and artistic expression among African Americans that flourished during the 1920s and 1930s. The novel's protagonist, John Grimes, is inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes, one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance, and dreams of becoming a writer himself.
The Civil Rights Movement: Although the Civil Rights Movement had not gained significant momentum during the time the novel is set, there were early indications and developments that laid the groundwork for the later movement. The novel portrays some of the discriminatory practices and injustices faced by African Americans, which would become central issues addressed by the Civil Rights Movement in the years to come.
Religious Revivalism: The novel depicts the strong influence of religious revivalism within the African American community. John's father, Gabriel, is a minister in a storefront church, and the book delves into the spiritual and emotional struggles experienced by John as a result of his religious upbringing.
Racial Segregation: Racial segregation was a pervasive feature of American society during the 1930s, and it had a profound impact on the lives of African Americans. The novel portrays the racial divisions that existed in housing, education, employment, and other aspects of daily life, highlighting the unjust treatment faced by African Americans.
Urbanization and Migration: The novel highlights the experiences of African Americans who had migrated from the rural South to Northern cities like New York in search of better opportunities. John's family is one such example, as they relocated from the South to Harlem in pursuit of a better life, only to encounter the challenges of urban poverty and discrimination.