Which group of American writers sought literary freedom by moving to cultural centers in the early 20th century?

The group of American writers that sought literary freedom by moving to cultural centers in the early 20th century is the Lost Generation. This cohort of writers, disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I, found refuge and artistic inspiration in cities like Paris and New York, where they could explore new artistic forms and express their views on society, war, and the human condition. Their works often reflected themes of alienation and a questioning of traditional values, which resonated deeply with the cultural climate of the time.

The Lost Generation's literary endeavors were rooted in a desire to break free from conventional norms, making their relocation to vibrant cultural hubs essential for fostering their creativity and ideological explorations. This movement highlighted their quest for authenticity and a new worldview distinct from the past.

Though other groups like the Transcendentalists and the Harlem Renaissance had their pursuits for cultural and literary expression, they did not primarily stem from the same post-war disillusionment or dramatic migration that characterized the Lost Generation. Similarly, the Beat Generation came later, in the 1950s, focusing more on countercultural themes rather than the specific quest for freedom in the context of post-war America that defined the Lost Generation's experience.