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.

• Light blue: German AncestryLight blue: German Ancestry

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

The End….

Created by,

Robert Emmerich

Adam Humayun

Caroline Meek

® AP U.S. History II