germanic immigration impact of german culture on the culture of the u.s
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Germanic ImmigrationGermanic Immigration
Impact of German Culture on Impact of German Culture on the Culture of the U.S.the Culture of the U.S.
ReligionReligion Roughly 60% of German immigrants were Roughly 60% of German immigrants were
LutheranLutheran Arrivals 1880-1900: more theologically Arrivals 1880-1900: more theologically
conservativeconservative Many German-language churches Many German-language churches
established (Zion Lutheran Church)established (Zion Lutheran Church)
Reasons for Leaving Germany
An improved standard of livingWage Cuts in Germany left families without enough money to functionFreedom from Prussian Military Service during the 18th centuryFamily members who previously emigrated urged Germans to come to AmericaMass modernization and population growth pushed Germans from their respective family businesses
Expectations upon Arrival
Favorable opportunities in business
Immigrants wanted to opportunity to farm their own land or own their own business
Trades and Crafts
Many German immigrants entered the beer industryBakersButchersCabinet MakersCigar MakersDistillersTailorsVery few women worked as laborers
Many worked as: bakers, domestic workers, hotel keepers, janitors, laundry workers, nurses, peddlers, saloon keepers
Customs and Values German Christmas
December 6th for Germany = Christmas Eve in U.S. German tradition of leaving shoes for St. Nick to fill with
candies and treats was changed to filling stockings for the children in the U.S.
The Ideas of decorating a Christmas Tree originated in Germany and has influenced U.S. culture.
German illustrator and political propagandist, Thomas Nast, created the image of Santa Claus
Most German’s are “GOLD” Loyalty to the family, strong work ethic, belief in educational
preparation Believed in the idea of putting others before oneself
German Cuisine influences Most popular – Sauerkraut Others – Knockwurst, Schnitzel, Bratwurst, and Sauerbraten
First Hand Accountants Mr. Herman Bittenger
Father was an Austrian Immigrant to the United States (Feb. 1923)
Contained all personal items in one large trunk
Came over with four friends and became extremely seasick during the trip
The most important items brought to the United States was his original birth certificate, and money
First Hand Accountants
Mr. Arthur Broksas Left Germany as a child to stay with his
grandfather in the United States He settled in Springfield, Virginia as a
child and has lived their his entire life Traveled by boat and became seasick
throughout the journey Occupation: Physician Assistant for the
State Department
Famous German Immigrants Carl Schurz (1829-1906)
Reformer, Journalist, Legislator Dr. Wernher von Braun (1912-1977)
Rocket Scientist for NASA Baron von Steuben
Rigorously trained Continental troops at Valley Forge
Albert Einstein - sciences Albert Michelson - astronomy Hans Bethe - astronomy Oscar Hammerstein - composer