Summary

The original 13 families, who arrived in 1683 at the invitation of William Penn, are considered to be the first German immigrants to set foot in the American colonies. German Immigrants covers events such as the slowdown of German immigration due to the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) and the formation of labor unions by Germans. Oral histories from immigrants describe their experiences during their journeys and what they expected to find in their new homes. Concluding the book is a chapter on German Americans in the present day, including several cultural notes such as German festivals and Oktoberfests celebrated throughout the country and the influence of German companies on American industries. An appealing book for young readers, German Immigrants is sure to become a staple in all school and public libraries.

History covered includes:

• The influence of German immigrant Gottfried Duden’s promise that American land was easy to farm
• The establishment of Germantown, Pennsylvania
• The “redemption” system of paying for passage to the colonies
• The “indentured servant” system
• The attempt to create an all-German state in the 1830s and 1840s
• German immigrants’ lives in the cities and their contributions to the Civil War
• Increased anti-German sentiments in the United States due to Germany’s involvement in World War I
• World War II and its aftermath
• The Jewish emigrants’ place in German and American culture.

Specifications

eBook

Reviews and Awards

"...useful in a school classroom or library."
Lorgnette